What payroll deadlines should employers track?

Maryland Payroll Tax Deadlines Employers Should Track

Managing payroll taxes in Maryland requires careful attention to several key deadlines to ensure compliance and avoid penalties. Employers must track both state and federal payroll tax deadlines as part of their regular payroll operations.

Federal Payroll Tax Deadlines

• Deposit of Employment Taxes: Federal income tax withheld, Social Security, and Medicare taxes must be deposited according to the IRS deposit schedule, which can be semi-weekly or monthly based on your payroll tax liability.
• Quarterly Reporting: File Form 941, Employer's Quarterly Federal Tax Return, by the last day of the month following the end of each calendar quarter (April 30, July 31, October 31, January 31).
• Annual Reporting: File Form W-2 with the Social Security Administration by January 31 of the following year, and provide employees with their W-2 forms by the same date.

Maryland State Payroll Tax Deadlines

• Withholding Tax Deposits: Maryland requires withholding tax deposits based on your deposit schedule assigned by the Comptroller’s Office. This can be monthly or semi-weekly. Deposits are generally due by the 15th of the month following the payroll period.
• Monthly Withholding Tax Return: File Form MW506, Maryland Withholding Tax Return, by the 15th day of the month following the month in which wages were paid.
• Annual Reconciliation: Submit the annual reconciliation of Maryland withholding taxes by January 31 of the following year, along with copies of employees’ W-2 forms.

Operational Tips for Payroll Tax Compliance in Maryland

• Automate Deposits and Filings: Use payroll software or services that automate tax calculations, deposits, and filings to reduce errors and save time.
• Maintain Accurate Records: Keep detailed payroll and tax records for at least four years to support audits and reporting requirements.
• Stay Updated: As of 2026, regularly check the Maryland Comptroller’s website and IRS resources for any updates to deposit schedules or filing requirements.
• Coordinate with Accounting: Integrate payroll tax deadlines with your bookkeeping and accounting calendar to ensure timely payments and reporting.