What it is
The Maryland State Department of Assessments and Taxation (SDAT) describes itself as a customer-focused agency that works to ensure property is accurately assessed, business records are properly maintained and tax-related information is shared with state agencies and local jurisdictions. Its Business Services Division includes the Business Charter Unit, which maintains business entity filings and UCC filings, and the Business Property Valuation Unit, which values business personal property for local tax purposes. The agency is located at 700 E. Pratt St., Suite 2700, Baltimore.
What founders use it for
SDAT is where Maryland business entities are formed and kept in good standing. Most charter and personal property filings can be completed online through the Registrations and Filings Portal on Maryland Business Express, where you can register a business, order documents, file annual reports and file business personal property returns. The Business Entity Search lets anyone look up an entity and purchase a Certificate of Status online.
Annual reports and deadlines
Domestic and foreign business entities must file an annual report and business personal property return each year to remain in good standing. For 2026 the due date was April 15, with an online-only 60-day extension available. Entities that fall behind must file all past-due annual reports to revive or reinstate, and SDAT publishes lists of entities that are not in good standing or forfeited. Through the MarylandSaves program, SDAT waives the $300 annual report fee for each year a business remains qualified. Details are on the Business Services page.
Filing in person and getting help
SDAT encourages online filing. For charter documents, same-day expedited service is available for an additional $425 through a lobby dropbox at 123 Market Place, Baltimore; documents dropped by 10:00 AM can be picked up by 3:45 PM. Annual reports and personal property returns can be dropped off without an appointment, while other in-person services require one. General charter questions go to 410-767-1330 and personal property return questions to 410-767-1170. Other contacts are on the contact page.
Why it matters in the DMV ecosystem
Any startup formed in Maryland, or a company from DC or Virginia registering to do business in Maryland, will deal with SDAT. Missing an annual report can lead to forfeiture, which can complicate fundraising, contracts and bank accounts, so this is a deadline to calendar from day one.
