Payroll Maryland, Unique Aspects of Maryland Payroll Law and Practice

The Maryland State Agency that oversees theThis information must be reported within 20 days of
collection and reporting of State income taxesthe hiring or rehiring.
deducted from payroll checks is:The information can be sent as a W4 or equivalent
Comptroller of the Treasuryby mail, fax or electronically.
Revenue Administration Div.There is a $20 penalty for a late report in Maryland
Income Tax Bldg.and $500 for conspiracy.
Annapolis, MD 21404-0466The Maryland new hire-reporting agency can be
(410) 260-7150reached at 888-634-4737 or 410-347-9911or on the
(800) 638-2937web at
Maryland requires that you use Maryland formMaryland does not allow compulsory direct deposit
"MW507, Employee's Maryland Withholding ExemptionMaryland requires the following information on an
Certificate" instead of a Federal W-4 Form foremployee's pay stub:
Maryland State Income Tax Withholding.- Gross and Net Earnings
Not all states allow salary reductions made under- itemized deductions
Section 125 cafeteria plans or 401(k) to be treated inMaryland requires that employee be paid no less
the same manner as the IRS code allows. In Marylandoften than semimonthly, biweekly; less frequently for
cafeteria plans are not taxable for income taxFLSA-exempt employees.
calculation; not taxable for unemployment insuranceMaryland payroll law requires that involuntarily
purposes. 401(k) plan deferrals are not taxable forterminated employees must be paid their final pay by
income taxes; taxable for unemployment purposes.their next regular payday and that voluntarily
In Maryland supplemental wages are taxed at aterminated employees must be paid their final pay by
4.75% plus country rate.the next regular payday or by mail if employee
You must file your Maryland State W-2s by magneticrequests it.
media if you are required to file your federal W-2s byThere is no provision in Maryland law concerning
magnetic media.paying deceased employees.
The Maryland State Unemployment InsuranceEscheat laws in Maryland require that unclaimed
Agency is:wages be paid over to the state after three years.
Division of Employment and TrainingThe employer is further required in Maryland to keep
1100 N. Eutaw St.a record of the wages abandoned and turned over
Baltimore, MD 21201to the state for a period of 10 years.
(410) 767-2525Maryland payroll law mandates no more than $2.77
(800) 492-5524may be used as a tip credit.
The State of Maryland taxable wage base forIn Maryland the payroll laws covering mandatory rest
unemployment purposes is wages up to $8500.00.or meal breaks are only that minors under 16 must
Maryland requires Magnetic media reporting ofhave 30 minutes rest after five hours of work.
quarterly wage reporting if the employer has at leastMaryland statute requires that wage and hour
100 employees that they are reporting that quarter.records be kept for a period of not less than three
Unemployment records must be retained in Marylandyears. These records will normally consist of at least
for a minimum period of five years. This informationthe information required under FLSA.
generally includes: name; social security number; datesThe Maryland agency charged with enforcing Child
of hire, rehire and termination; wages by period;Support Orders and laws is:
payroll pay periods and pay dates; date andChild Support Enforcement Administration
circumstances of termination.Department of Human Resources
The Maryland State Agency charged with enforcing311 W. Saratoga St.
the state wage and hour laws is:Baltimore, MD 21201
Department of Labor, Licensing and Regulation(800) 234-1528
Division of Labor and IndustryMaryland has the following provisions for child support
1100 N. Eutaw St., Rm. 607deductions:
Baltimore, MD 21201-2357- When to start Withholding? Immediately after
(410) 767-2357receipt of order.
The minimum wage in Maryland is $5.15 per hour.- When to send Payment? Within 7 days of Payday.
The general provision in Maryland concerning paying- When to send Termination Notice? Within 10 days
overtime in a non-FLSA covered employer is one andof termination.
one half times regular rate after 40-hour week.- Maximum Administrative Fee? $2 per payment.
Maryland State new hire reporting requirements are- Withholding Limits? Federal Rules under CCPA.
that every employer must report every new hire andPlease note that this article is not updated for
rehire. The employer must report the federallychanges that can and will happen from time to time.
required elements of:Charles J. Read, CPA has been in the payroll,
- Employee's nameaccounting and tax business for 30 years,the last
- date of hirefifteen in private practice. Mr. Read is the author of
- medical benefits availability"Tax and Accounting Issuesin Forming a New
- starting wageBusiness."
- Employee's UI IDTo find professional payroll services at a budget price
- Employee's addressgo to paperless payroll company.
- Employee's social security numberFor a full service payroll bureau with CPA's on staff
- Employer's namevisit .
- Employers addressSee an excerpt of Mr. Read's interviews from William
- Employer's Federal Employer Identification NumberShatner's "Heartbeat of America"television show on
(EIN)the web sites linked above.