The Maryland Combined Registration Application (CRA) Form is a comprehensive document designed for businesses to register for various taxes and licenses in the state of Maryland. It encompasses sections for sales and use tax, employer withholding tax, unemployment insurance, and more, ensuring businesses comply with state regulations. If you're starting a business in Maryland or expanding your operations, completing the CRA Form is a crucial step. Click the button below to begin the process of filling out your form.
The Maryland Combined Registration 2021 Form (CRA) serves as a critical tool for business owners in Maryland, paving the way for a compliant and legal operation within the state. Completing this form is the first step for new businesses, or those undergoing significant changes, to register for various taxes and licenses, ranging from sales and use tax to alcohol or tobacco tax licenses. The detailed sections of the CRA form demand precise information about the business, including but not limited to federal identification numbers, the legal and trade name, the physical and mailing address, and the specific nature of the business activity. Furthermore, it delves into the types of ownership, the dates significant to the business’s financial operations, and the estimated number of employees and their wages. The form also requires information regarding unemployment insurance and, for nonprofits, specific documentation regarding tax-exempt status. With additional sections dedicated to businesses involved in the sale, distribution, or transportation of fuels, alcohol, or tobacco, the CRA application embodies an all-encompassing approach to business registration. Significantly, it emphasizes compliance with the law, ensuring that all businesses contribute appropriately to the state's economy and adhere to Maryland's regulatory requirements.
MARYLAND
COMBINED
2022
FORM
REGISTRATION
CRA
APPLICATION
SECTION A: All applicants must complete this section.
1a. Federal Employer Identification Number (FEIN) (9 digits) (See instructions)
1b. Social Security Number (SSN) of owner, officer or agent responsible for taxes (Required by law)
2. Legal name of dealer, employer, corporation or owner
3. Trade name (if different from legal name of dealer, employer, corporation or owner)
4.
Street Address of physical business location (PO Box not acceptable)
City
County
State
ZIP Code
+4
Telephone number
Fax number
Email address
5.
Mailing Address (PO Box acceptable)
6.
Reason for applying (Check all that apply.):
New business
Additional location(s)
Merger
Purchased going business
Re-activate/Re-open
Change of entity
Remit use tax on purchases
Reorganization
Other (describe) ________________
7.
Previous owner’s name: First Name or Corporation Name
Last Name
Title
Street Address (PO Box acceptable)
8. Type of registration
Maryland Number if registered:
a.
Sales and use tax
b.
Transportation Network Company
c.
Tire recycling fee
d.
Admissions and amusement tax
e.
Employer withholding tax
f.
Unemployment insurance
g.
Alcohol tax
h.
Tobacco tax
i.
Motor fuel tax
j.
Transient vendor license
9.
Type of ownership: (Check one box)
Sole proprietorship
Non-Maryland corporation
Partnership
Governmental
Nonprofit organization
Fiduciary
Maryland corporation
Business trust
e. Limited liability company
10. Date first sales made in Maryland: (MMDDYYYY)
11. Date first wages paid in Maryland subject to withholding : (MMDDYYYY)
12. If you currently file a consolidated sales and use tax return, enter the 8-digit CR number of your account
13. If you have employees, enter the number of your worker’s compensation insurance policy or binder:
14.(a) Have you paid or do you anticipate paying wages to individuals, including corporate officers,
for services performed in Maryland?
Yes
No
(b) If yes, enter date wages first paid (MMDDYYYY)
15.
Number of employees:
16.
Estimated gross wages paid in first quarter of operation:
17.Select the option that best describes your situation (Check ONLY ONE box):
Applicant has a physical sales location within Maryland and will not make online sales to customers in Maryland.
Applicant will make online sales to Maryland customers and does not have a physical sales location in Maryland.
Applicant has a physical sales location in Maryland and will make online sales to customers in Maryland.
Applicant does not make sales. The sales and use tax account is requested for reporting use tax only.
18.Describe for profit or nonprofit business activity that generates revenue. Specify the product manufactured and/or sold, or the type of service performed.
____________________________________________________________________________________________________________
19.Are you a nonprofit organization exempt under Section 501(c)(3) of the Internal Revenue Code?
If no, Section (c) (
) or Other: Section
.
COM/RAD-093 11/21
page 2
FEIN/SSN
20.Does the business have only one physical location in Maryland?
(Do not count client sites or off site projects that will last less than one year.) If no, specify how many:
21.Identify owners, partners, corporate officers, trustees, or members: (List person whose Social Security Number is listed in Section A.1b, first.) * Partnerships and nonprofit organizations must identify at least two owners, partners, corporate officers, trustees or members. If more space is required, attach a separate statement including the information as shown here.
1
2
3
First Name
Social Security Number
Home Address
Street address
ZIP
Telephone
SECTION B: Complete this section to register for an unemployment insurance account.
PART 1.
1.
Will corporate officers receive compensation, salary or distribution of profits?
If yes, enter date (MMDDYYYY)
2.
Department of Assessments and Taxation Entity Identification Number.
3.Did you acquire by sale or otherwise, all or part of the assets, business, organization,
or workforce of another employer?
4.If your answer to question 3 is “No,” proceed to item 5 of this section. If your answer to question 3 is “Yes,” provide the information below. a. Is there any common ownership, management or control between the
current business and the former business?
Percentage of assets or workforce acquired from former business:
Date former business was acquired by current business (MMDDYYYY):
Unemployment insurance number of former business, if known:
00
Did the previous owner operate more than one location in Maryland?
How many?
5.For employers of domestic help only:
a. Have you or will you have as an individual or local college club, college fraternity or
sorority a total payroll of $1,000 or more in the State of Maryland during any calendar quarter?
b. If yes, indicate the earliest quarter and calendar year (MMDDYYYY):
6.For agricultural operating only:
a. Have you had or will you have 10 or more workers for 20 weeks or more in any calendar year
or have you paid or will you pay $20,000 or more in wages during any calendar quarter?
b. If yes, indicate the earliest quarter and calendar year (MMDDYYYY)
7.For Limited Liability Companies only:
a. As a Limited Liability Company, do you employ anyone other than a member?
b.Has the Limited Liability Company filed IRS form 8832 whereby it elected to be classified as a corporation or is the Limited Liability Company automatically classified as a
corporation for federal tax purposes?
page 3
PART 2. COMPLETE THIS PART IF YOU ARE A NONPROFIT ORGANIZATION
1.Are you subject to tax under the Federal Unemployment Tax Act?
If not, are you exempt under Section 3306(c)(8) of the Federal Unemployment Tax Act?
2.Are you a nonprofit organization as described in Section 501(c)(3) of the United States Internal Revenue Code which is exempt from Income Tax under Section 501(a) of such code?
If YES, attach a copy of your exemption from Internal Revenue Service.
3.
Elect option to finance unemployment insurance coverage. See instructions.
If b. is checked, indicate the total taxable payroll ($8,500 maximum per individual
per calendar year) $
for calendar year 20
Type of collateral (check one):
Letter of credit
Surety bond
Security deposit
Yes No
Contributions Reimbursement of trust fund
Cash in escrow
SECTION C: Complete this section if you are applying for an alcohol or tobacco tax license.
1.Will you engage in any business activity pertaining to the manufacture, sale, distribution, or storage of alcoholic beverages (excludes retail)?
2.Will you engage in any wholesale activity regarding the sale and/or distribution
of tobacco in Maryland (excludes retail)?
SECTION D: Complete this section if you plan to sell, use or transport any fuels in Maryland.
1.Do you plan to import or purchase in Maryland, any of the following fuels for resale, distribution, or for your use? If yes, check type(s) below:
Gasoline (including av/gas)
Turbine/jet fuel
Special fuel (any fuel other than gasoline)
2.Do you transport petroleum in any device having a carrying capacity exceeding 1,749 gallons?
3.Do you store any motor fuel in Maryland?
4.Do you have a commercial vehicle that will travel interstate?
If you have answered “Yes” to any question in Section C or D, call the Motor-fuel, Alcohol and Tobacco Tax Unit 410-260-7131 for license application.
SECTION E: Complete this section to request paper coupons.
We provide a free and secure electronic method to file sales and use tax and withholding returns, using bFile on the Comptroller’s Web site www.marylandtaxes.gov. If you prefer instead to receive your future tax filing coupons by mail, check here
SECTION F: All applicants must complete this section.
Under penalties of perjury, I declare that I have examined this application and to the best of my knowledge and belief it is true, correct and complete.
Check here if a power of attorney form is attached.
Print Name
Signature* (Required by Law)
Date
Name of Preparer other than applicant
*If the business is a corporation, an officer of the corporation authorized to sign on behalf of the corporation must sign; if a partnership, one partner must sign; if an unincorporated association, one member must sign; if a sole proprietorship, the proprietor must sign. (The signature of any other person will not be accepted unless a power of attorney is attached.)
COMBINED REGISTRATION
APPLICATION INSTRUCTIONS
Use this application to register for:
•Admissions and amusement tax account
•Alcohol tax license*
•Income tax withholding account
•Motor fuel tax account*
•Sales and use tax license
•Use tax account
•Transient vendor license
•Transportation Network Company account
•Tire recycling fee account
•Tobacco tax license*
•Unemployment insurance account
*Further registration is required for motor fuel, alcohol or tobacco taxes before engaging in business. The appropriate division of the Comptroller’s Office will contact you and provide the necessary forms.
Other requirements
Depending on the nature of your business, you may be required to contact or register with other agencies. The following list may help you determine which agencies to contact.
•Local Licenses may be required for corporations or individu- als doing business in Maryland. Local licenses may be obtained from the Clerk of the Circuit Court for the jurisdiction in which the business is to be located.
•Domestic and foreign corporations and limited liability companies must register with the State Department of Assess- ments and Taxation, Charter Division, 301 West Preston Street, Baltimore, Maryland 21201-2326 or call 410-767-1340. Each entity must file an annual personal property return.
•Individuals, sole proprietorships and partnerships which possess personal property (furniture, fixtures, tools, machinery, equipment, etc.) or need a business license must register and file an annual personal property return with the State Depart- ment of Assessments and Taxation, Unincorporated Personal Property Unit, 301 West Preston Street, Room 806, Baltimore, Maryland 21201-2326. For more information, call 410-767- 4991.
•Every corporation and association (domestic or foreign) having income allocable to Maryland must file a state income tax return.
•All corporations whose total Maryland income tax for the cur- rent tax year can reasonably be expected to exceed $1,000 must file a declaration of estimated tax. For more information, call 1-800-638-2937 or from Central Maryland 410-260-7980.
•To form a corporation, contact the State Department of As- sessments and Taxation, 301 West Preston Street, Baltimore, Maryland 21201-2326 or call 410-767-1340.
•Worker’s compensation insurance coverage for employees is required of every employer of Maryland. This coverage may be obtained from a private carrier, the Injured Worker’s Insur- ance Fund or by becoming self-insured. Contact the IWIF, 8722 Loch Raven Boulevard, Towson, Maryland 21286-2235 or call
410-494-2000 or 1-800-492-0197.
•Unclaimed property. The Maryland abandoned property law requires businesses to review their records each year to deter- mine whether they are in possession of any unclaimed funds and securities due and owing Maryland residents that have re- mained unclaimed for more than three years, and to file an annual report. Contact the Comptroller of Maryland, Unclaimed Property Section, 301 W. Preston Street, Baltimore, Maryland 21201-2326 or call 410-767-1700 or 1-800-782-7383.
•Charitable organizations may be required to register with the Secretary of State if contributions from the public are solicited. Contact the Secretary of State’s Office, 16 Francis St. #1, An- napolis, Maryland 21401 or call 410-974-5534.
•Weights and measures. If you buy or sell commodities on the basis of weight or measure, or use a weighing or measuring de- vice commercially, your firm is subject to the Maryland Weights and Measures Law. To obtain information, call the Department of Agriculture, Weights and Measures Section at 410-841-5790.
•Food businesses are required to be licensed with
Maryland
Department
of
Health
(MDH).
Contact
your local
county health
department
or call
MDH at
410-767-8400.
Apply for licenses and open accounts
at www.marylandtaxes.gov
Register online at www.marylandtaxes.gov
Page 2
SECTION A
Incomplete applications cannot be processed and will be returned. To ensure your application is processed without delay, be sure to provide all requested information. Type or print clearly using blue or black ink. Before mailing this application, be sure to:
1.Complete all of Section A.
2.Answer all questions in all the other sections that pertain to your business.
3.Sign the application in Section F.
4.Detach this instruction sheet from the application.
5.Mail the application to:
Central Registration
Comptroller of Maryland
Revenue Administration Division
110 Carroll Street
Annapolis, MD 21411-0001
•Enter the Federal Employer Identification Number (FEIN) of the applicant. A FEIN is required by: all corporations, LLCs, partnerships, nonprofit organizations, and sole proprietorships who pay wages to one or more employees. A sole proprietorship with no employees, other than self, is not required to have a FEIN. If you do not have a FEIN, one can be obtained by visiting the IRS at www.irs.gov.
•Enter the Social Security Number (SSN) of the individual owner of the company, officer, agent of the corporation, or other person responsible for remitting the taxes. Also enter the name of the individual owner, officer or agent re sponsible for the taxes on the first line of Item 21.
•Enter the legal name of the business, organization, corporation (e.g., John Smith, Inc.), partnership (e.g., Smith & Jones), individual proprietor or professional (e.g., Smith, John T.), or governmental agency.
•Enter the registered trade name by which your business is known to the public (e.g., Smith’s Ceramics).
•Indicate the type of registration you are seeking. If you are already registered for any of the taxes listed, enter your registration number.
You will need a sales and use tax license if you are required to collect sales and use tax on your sales of tangible personal property and taxable services. Certain non-profits may qualify for exemption.
NOTE: If you are not a nonprofit organization but purchase items for resale, you need a resale certificate and not a Sales and Use Tax Exemption Certificate. Check box 8.a. to open a valid Maryland sales and use tax account, from which you may issue resale certificates. Unless you are a nonprofit organization, you DO NOT qualify for a Sales and Use Tax Exemption Certificate. The Sales and Use Tax Exemption Certificate application (SUTEC Application) must be completed separately to receive a Sales and Use Tax Exemption Certificate. Exemption certificates are issued to nonprofit charitable, educational or religious organizations, volunteer fire or ambulance companies, volunteer rescue squads, nonprofit cemeteries, federal credit unions and certain veterans organizations, their auxiliaries or their units located in this State. Possession of an effective determination letter from the Internal Revenue Service stating that the organization qualifies under Sections 501(c)(3), 501(c)(4) or 501(c)(19) of the Internal
Revenue Code may be treated as evidence that an organization qualifies for this exemption. See the Maryland Sales and Use Tax Exemption Certificate Application for additional information.
You must register for a tire fee account if you will make any sales of tires to a retailer or you are a retailer who purchases tires from an out-of-state tire wholesaler or other person who does not show payment of Maryland’s used tire recycling fees on invoices to you.
Typical activities subject to the admissions and amusement tax include:
Admissions to any place, including motion pictures, athletic events, races, shows and exhibits. Also subject to tax are receipts from athletic equipment rentals, bingo, coin-operated amusement devices, boat rides and excursions, amusement rides, golf greens fees, golf cart rentals, skating, bowling shoe rentals, lift tickets, riding academies, horse rentals, and merchandise, refreshments or a service sold or served in connection with entertainment at a night club or room in a hotel, restaurant, hall or other place where dancing privileges, music or other entertainment is provided.
You must register for an account if you will make any payment that may be subject to income tax withholding, including withholding on the following: eligible rollover distributions, sick pay, annuity, or pension payments; designated distributions; and certain winnings from Maryland wagering. Both employers and payors of Maryland income tax withholding are required to check Box 8.e.
If you make sales of property subject to the sales and use tax from either motor vehicles or from roadside or temporary locations, you must, in addition to any other license required by law, obtain and display a transient vendor license. Transient vendor licenses will be issued and reissued only to persons who have sales and use tax and trader’s licenses and who are not delinquent in the payment of any Maryland taxes.
Exhibitors at fairs, trade shows, flea markets and individuals who sell by catalogs, samples or brochures for future delivery do not need transient vendor licenses.
SECTION B
Complete this section if you are an employer registering for unemployment insurance.
PART 1
All industrial and commercial employers and many nonprofit charitable, educational and religious institutions in Maryland are covered by the state unemployment insurance law. There is no employee contribution.
An employer must register upon establishing a new business in the State. If an employer is found liable to provide unemployment coverage, an account number and tax rate will be assigned. The employer must report and pay contributions on a report mailed to the employer each quarter by the Office of Unemployment Insurance.
Your Entity Identification Number is assigned by the Maryland State Department of Assessments and Taxation. It is an alpha- numeric identifier that appears on the acknowledgement received from that Department. The identifier also can be found on that Department’s website at www.dat.state.md.us. (Domestic and foreign corporations and limited liability companies are assigned a number when registering with that Department. Individuals, sole proprietors and partnerships who possess personal
Page 3
property or need a business license also obtain a number when completing the required registration with the State Department of Assessments and Taxation.)
PART 2
Complete this part if you are a nonprofit organization.
Item 1. Your exemption from the IRS should state if you are exempt from federal unemployment taxes.
Item 2. Check the appropriate box and include a copy of the IRS exemption, if applicable.
Item 3. Indicate your option to finance unemployment insurance coverage:
Option a. - Contributions.
The employer has the option to pay contributions. A rate assigned by the administration is applied to the first $8,500 of wages paid to each employee during a calendar year. Contributions are paid on a calendar quarter basis.
An employer who has not been subject to the Maryland unemployment insurance law for a sufficient period of time to have its rates computed is required to pay at the new account rate, which is approximately 2.3%. Thereafter, the employer will be assigned a rate reflecting its own experience with layoffs. If the employer’s former employees receive benefits regularly that result in benefit charges, the employer will have a higher tax rate. Employers that incur little or no benefit charges will have a lower tax rate.
Option b. - Reimbursement of Trust Fund.
The employer may elect to reimburse the trust fund. At the end of each calendar quarter, the employer is billed for unemployment benefits paid to its former employees during the quarter. A nonprofit organization that elects to reimburse must also provide collateral to protect the administration from default in reimbursement.
If b. is checked, indicate which method of providing collateral you will use.
For more information on the financing options, visit www.dllr. state.md.us or call 410-767-2691 or toll free 1-800-492-5524.
Power of Attorney
A power of attorney is necessary if you wish us to disclose information to someone other than the owner or individual who signed. Complete Maryland Form 548 or 548P and attach to your application. The form must also include (1) type of tax (income, employment), (2) Maryland tax form number (CRA, 502, MW506, etc.) and (3) year(s) or period(s) covered.
Executive order on privacy and state data system security notice
The information on this application will be used to determine if you are liable for certain taxes, to register you, and, where appropriate, to issue a required license.
If you fail to provide required information, you will not be properly registered with state tax authorities, and necessary licenses may not be issued. If you operate a business without the appropriate registration and licenses, you may be subject to civil and criminal penalties, including confiscation in some instances.
If you are a sole proprietor, partner or officer in a corporation, you have the right to inspect any tax records for which you are
responsible, and you may ask the tax authorities to correct any inaccurate or incomplete information on those records.
This application and the information you provide on it are generally not available for public inspection. This information will be shared with the state tax authorities with whom you should be registered.
Other licenses you may need
In addition to a sales and use tax license, you also may need to obtain one or more of the licenses listed below from your local Clerk of the Court to operate your business in Maryland:
•Auctioneer
•Chain store
•Cigarette
•Commercial garage
•Console machine
•Construction firm
•Hawkers & peddlers
•Junk dealer
•Laundry
•Music box
•Pinball
•Plumber & gas fitter
•Restaurant
•Special cigarette
•Storage warehouse
•Traders
•Vending machine
•Wholesale dealer – farm machinery
These licenses are issued by the Clerk of the Circuit Court in the County (or Baltimore City) where the business is located. If your business falls into one or more of the above categories, contact the Clerk of the Circuit Court in your county courthouse.
Check government pages of your local telephone directory for the street address and phone number. The clerk also can advise you on any local licensing requirements.
Register online
You can file your Combined Registration Application online at www.marylandtaxes.gov 24 hours a day. You only view and complete the parts of the application that apply to your situation.
It is fast and easy. You will receive a confirmation number immediately and your account information will be in the mail quickly.
Further registration is required for motor fuel, alcohol or tobacco taxes before engaging in business. The appropriate division of the Comptroller’s Office will contact you and provide necessary forms.
Page 4
Registration by telephone / Authorized personnel
Central Registration accounts may be reopened and modified by telephone:
An account may be reopened if it has not been closed for more than three (3) years and if the owners, partners, corporate officers, trustees, or members have not changed.
Most tax types may be added to an existing Central Registration account by telephone:
•Tire recycling fee
Telephone registration eliminates the need for you to fill
out another Combined Registration Application. Call 410- 260-7980 or 1-800-638-2937.
For any changes to the account, the taxpayer will need to submit the information either in writing, by fax, or email at TAXHELP@marylandtaxes.gov.
Register by fax
File your Maryland Combined Registration Application by fax 24 hours a day. When applying by fax, be sure to complete Sections A and E of the application and any other sections that apply to your business. You must provide your federal employer identification number, if available, and Social Security Number requested in Section A1 and describe your business in Section A18. Do not fax a cover sheet or our instructions. The Central Registration fax number is 410-260-7908.
In the event of a disaster or an emergency
If the Governor of Maryland declares a state of emergency, or, the President declares a federal major disaster or state of emergency, or, there is a widespread utility outage, any out-of-state business that has no registration, nexus or tax filings in Maryland prior to the declared state of emergency will be exempt from certain registration requirements. This does not apply to a business with a prior request to be a Maryland registered business or to State or local government.
These out-of-state businesses that do disaster or emergency- related work during a disaster as well as its out-of-state employees are not subject to the following:
•State and local licensing or registration requirements
•State or County income taxes
•Unemployment insurance contributions
•Personal property tax
•Sales and Use Tax requirements
•Employer withholding tax requirements
However, such businesses must provide a statement related to the disaster to the Comptroller of Maryland with the following information:
•Company name
•State of domicile
•Principal address
•Federal Tax Identification Number
•Date of entry into the state
•Contact information
For more information
Visit www.marylandtaxes.gov or email your question to TAXHELP@marylandtaxes.gov. You may also call 1-800- 638-2937 or from Central Maryland 410-260-7980. For the hearing impaired: Maryland Relay Service 711.
Allow two weeks for processing the Combined Registration Application. You will receive your license and coupons (if requested) by U.S. mail.
Filling out the Maryland Combined Registration Application (CRA) form is a structured process that requires attention to detail across several sections, ensuring that an applicant's business or organization is registered correctly for various types of tax accounts in the state. The CRA form is pivotal for new businesses, those acquiring existing ones, or entities changing their status or structure, establishing their tax and employer obligations within Maryland. Below, you will find a guided walkthrough to accurately complete this document.
After thorough review to ensure accuracy and completeness, detach the instruction sheet and mail your application to the address provided. This step will initiate the registration process, opening the necessary accounts and establishing your obligations for state tax and employer contributions. Additionally, depending on your business's activity, further communication and required forms may be provided by the Comptroller's Office, guiding the completion of your tax registration obligations.
The Maryland Combined Registration Application (CRA) form is a comprehensive document designed for businesses to register for various tax accounts and licenses in the state of Maryland. It facilitates the registration for a wide range of tax-related obligations including sales and use tax, income tax withholding, unemployment insurance, admissions and amusement tax, and others. Applicants complete specific sections based on their business activities and requirements.
Any business entity, including corporations, partnerships, sole proprietorships, and nonprofit organizations, that intends to conduct taxable activities, hire employees, or requires specific licenses (such as alcohol or tobacco licenses) in Maryland, must complete the CRA form. This includes new businesses, existing businesses opening additional locations, businesses undergoing reorganization, and those purchasing an existing business, among others.
Businesses that do not have a Federal Employer Identification Number (FEIN) can obtain one by visiting the Internal Revenue Service (IRS) website at www.irs.gov. The FEIN is required for all corporations, limited liability companies (LLCs), partnerships, nonprofit organizations, and sole proprietorships that pay wages to one or more employees. Sole proprietorships without employees other than the owner are not required to obtain a FEIN.
The completed CRA form should be mailed to the Central Registration Unit at the Comptroller of Maryland, Revenue Administration Division, 110 Carroll Street, Annapolis, MD 21411-0001. Before mailing, applicants should ensure that all sections applicable to their business have been completed, the form has been signed in Section F, and the instruction sheet has been detached.
A business should review each section of the CRA form to determine which parts are applicable based on their specific business activities and registration needs. Instructions provided with the CRA form offer guidance on completing each section. Generally, all applicants must complete Section A, and then proceed to complete additional sections relevant to their business type, such as unemployment insurance, alcohol or tobacco tax license, motor fuel account, and others as required.
When filling out the Maryland Combined Registration Application (CRA) form, applicants often overlook key details or make errors that can delay the processing of their application. Being aware of common mistakes can help ensure a smoother registration process. Here are seven common mistakes to avoid:
Not providing complete information in Section A. Every field is important for the state to understand your business structure and needs.
Using a PO Box for the physical business location in item 4. Maryland requires a physical address to register your business correctly.
Forgetting to check all applicable boxes in item 6 regarding the reason for applying. Each reason can affect your registration and future tax obligations differently.
Misunderstanding the type of ownership in item 9. Selecting the wrong type can impact legal and tax implications for your business.
Omitting the date of first sales or wages paid in Maryland in items 10 and 11. These dates are crucial for tax reporting and compliance.
Not including the number of employees and the expected gross wages in items 15 and 16. This information is required for unemployment insurance and possibly other tax registrations.
Failing to sign and date the form in Section F or attach a power of attorney form if signing on behalf of the business entity. This omission can lead to the rejection of the application.
Avoiding these mistakes can help ensure that your registration application is processed efficiently and without unnecessary delay.
Filing the Maryland Combined Registration Application Form (CRA) is a crucial initial step for businesses establishing themselves in Maryland. This comprehensive registration form touches on various tax-related and business registration requirements. Alongside the CRA, there are several other documents and forms often needed to ensure a business is fully compliant with Maryland state laws and regulations. These forms cater to specific aspects of business operations, from employment to entity structuring. Understanding these documents can help streamline the process of establishing and maintaining a business in Maryland.
Together with the Maryland CRA, these documents form the backbone of a business’s legal foundation within the state. Each one addresses different facets of legal and regulatory compliance, from taxation to employee welfare. Ensuring that all relevant forms are correctly filed and maintained can significantly ease the administrative burden on businesses, allowing them to focus more on growth and operations. It’s prudent for business owners or responsible parties to familiarize themselves with these requirements or seek professional advice to navigate this landscape effectively.
The Maryland Combined Registration Application (CRA) form encompasses a comprehensive approach to business registration, closely mirroring the structure and component requirements of similar forms used nationally, like the IRS SS-4 Form and various state-specific business registration forms. When business owners initiate or expand their operations, they encounter a necessity for such documents to legally comply with tax, employment, and operational regulations.
The IRS SS-4 Form plays a pivotal role in obtaining an Employer Identification Number (EIN), a necessity for nearly all businesses that mirrors the CRA's requirement for an EIN or Social Security Number (SSN) for tax purposes. Both forms serve as a preliminary step for business identification in their respective governmental tax systems, facilitating the collection of various taxes and ensuring legal business operation. However, the Maryland CRA extends beyond the IRS SS-4's scope by integrating state-specific tax registrations and licensing, making it a multifaceted tool for business compliance within Maryland.
State-Specific Business Registration Forms, such as California's Business Registration form or Texas's Sales and Use Tax Permit application, share similarities with the Maryland CRA by requiring information on the business's legal structure, ownership details, and operational specifics. These forms collectively aim to catalog and regulate business activities within their jurisdictions, ensuring that businesses contribute appropriately to state tax and regulatory obligations. The Maryland CRA distinguishes itself with a broader spectrum of registrations and tax account openings in one consolidated application, streamlining the process for Maryland businesses to comply with multiple state regulations simultaneously.
When filling out the Maryland Combined Registration Application (CRA) Form, it's crucial to navigate the process with care to ensure your business is correctly registered without delays. To streamline your application, here are things you should do and shouldn't do:
Following these guidelines will help ensure that your Maryland CRA Form is filled out correctly, facilitating a smoother registration process for your business.
Understanding the Maryland Combined Registration Application (CRA) can sometimes be complex, leading to misconceptions. Here are five common misunderstandings about the form:
All businesses must have a Federal Employer Identification Number (FEIN) to register. While many businesses do require an FEIN for registration, sole proprietorships without employees other than the owner may not need one. The form requires either a FEIN or a Social Security Number (SSN) of the person responsible for taxes, which means a sole proprietor can use their SS in place of an FEIN if they don't have employees.
A PO Box is always acceptable for your business address. This is incorrect. The Maryland CRA form specifies that the street address of the physical business location must be provided and a PO Box is not acceptable for this section. However, a PO Box is acceptable for the mailing address, indicating a distinction between physical and mailing addresses that applicants must adhere to.
Only businesses making sales need to complete the form. While the form does cater to businesses conducting sales, it’s also required for various other registrations, such as unemployment insurance, withholding tax accounts, and specific licenses like the alcohol tax license or tobacco tax license. It's not exclusively for sales-oriented businesses.
The CRA form is only for new businesses. Though new businesses do use the CRA form for initial registration, it is also used by existing businesses for various reasons such as reporting a change of entity, adding new locations, reactivating a business, or registering for additional tax accounts or licenses.
Completing the CRA form automatically registers your business for all taxes. Completing the CRA does register your business with the Maryland Comptroller for certain types of tax accounts like sales and use tax or employer withholding. However, some taxes, such as motor fuel tax, alcohol tax, and tobacco tax, require further registration. The CRA form is the first step, and additional forms may be necessary depending on the business activities.
Correctly understanding the requirements and purposes of the Maryland CRA form is crucial for business owners to ensure they are compliant with state regulations and procedures. Misconceptions can lead to errors in registration, potentially resulting in compliance issues or delay in starting business operations.
Filling out and using the Maryland Combined Registration Application (CRA) Form is a critical step in establishing legal and tax obligations for businesses in Maryland. Understanding the key takeaways will ensure accurate completion and compliance with state requirements. Below are six key takeaways about this process:
Accurate and thorough completion of the Maryland CRA form is fundamental to ensuring compliance with state laws and regulations. Businesses must review and update their information as needed to maintain their registration status and avoid potential legal issues.
What Does Exemption From Withholding Mean - The form's encouragement for employees to review and update their information regularly supports proactive tax planning and financial health.
Maryland Medicaid Application - It contains specific inquiries regarding the patient's current medications and continued treatment plans to ensure comprehensive care continuity.
Power of Attorney Form Maryland Mva - A foundational requirement for legally operating a vehicle in Maryland, ensuring that all vehicles meet state regulations.