| Frequently asked questions, in regards to businesses.
1. Who do I contact with a question pertaining to my business?
State Department of Assessments and Taxation
301 West Preston Street
Baltimore, Maryland 21201-2395.
410-767-1170 - for Corporations
410-767-4991 - for Business Personal & Sole Proprietorships
Website link: SDAT
Note: be sure to reference you State ID# when contacting SDAT. Located on the left hand side of
business bill, above blue shaded area.
2. Why am I receiving this bill?
You have applied with the State to start a business. Once the State assigns you a tax identification
number the business is activated. You will receive bills on a yearly basis for the business.
3. What time period does this bill cover?
All business bills are based on the CALENDAR YEAR, January 1st to December 31st of each year.
(Our bill format reflects a fiscal year format; disregard the dates printed on them). If you are in business
as of January 1st of any given year, you are responsible for the taxable assessment for that year.
4. Why do I have to pays this bill if my business is not making any money?
The bill is based on what you or your accountant has reported to the State on your tax return for items
used to operate the business, i.e. equipment, supplies and fixtures. If you feel this amount is incorrect,
contact the State Department of Assessments & Taxation. We, the Prince Georges County, Office of
Finance, Treasury Division, are simply the billing agent for the State.
ALL INFORMATION IN REGARDS TO YOUR BUSINESS COMES FROM THE STATE, NOT THE COUNTY.
If you are in business as of January 1st of any given year, you are responsible for the taxable assessment
for that year. You are responsible not only for paying the bill, (payable to Prince George's County) but also
for filing a tax return each year for the business. If you skip a year or do not file, the STATE will automatically
assess you for the year by DOUBLING the previous year's assessment.
Note: Missed filings will result in a forfeiture of the business. Additional fees will be required in order to
reinstate the business to good standing status.
5. What if I no longer have the business or it never really got started?
If you have filed to start a business, but never actually started the business or are no longer in business,
YOU must report this, in writing, to the STATE. Failure to do so can result in legal action with the
County for non-payment of your business bills. Only the State can remove the assessment.
Call 410-767-1170, for additional information.
6. I am a non-profit organization, or I qualify for manufacturers exemption, or I am a home-based business, where do I file for exempt status?
Contact SDAT at 1-888-246-5941, press 2 for Corporations, LLC's, LLP's, LP's, or 3 for Sole Proprietorships
General Partnerships.
7. If I sell my furniture, fixtures, supplies, or dispose of them, whom do I inform?
Send proof of sale/disposal of the materials to the SDAT. Be sure to reference your State ID number.
8. I have received a summons for non-payment of my bills, what do I do?
This means the account has been turned over to our collection attorney, Carl Harris & Associates. Contact
their office at: 301-952-9760 for further information. Do not call the Prince George's County, Office of
Finance, Treasury Division.
9. My business is no longer in Prince George's County, what should I do?
A. Contact the SDAT at 1-888-246-5941, press 2 for Corporations, LLC's, LLP's, or LP's, or 3 for Sole
Proprietorships, General Partnerships.
B. Send business license application back to the address found in the lower right hand corner of the
application, with an explanation of "No longer located within the county."
10. The business license office has sent back or rejected my license because taxes are due, what should I do?
Call the Prince George's County, Office of Finance, Treasury Division, 301-952-4030, and provide the
operator with the audit control number located on the license application in the gray shaded area, second
box on the left.
IMPORTANT NUMBERS TO REMEMBER:
Starting or reviving a business, or trade name registry: 410-767-1340
Corporate Asessment questions: 410-767-1170
TOLL FREEE NUMBER: 1-888-246-5941
Press 2 for Corporations, LLC's, LLP's, LP's
Press 3 for Sole Proprietorships, General Partnerships
Business License: 301-952-3331 | |