This guide is an overview of registering your business for Maryland state payroll taxes. For more support, contact the state agency directly.
This guide includes key payroll tax requirements, links to state agency portals, and instructions for granting third-party access to Wave's partner. These steps are required to complete your tax profile in Wave so we can manage your payroll tax payments and filings on your behalf.
Tax requirements
To pay employees in Maryland, you may need to register for the following taxes:
Maryland Withholding and Unemployment Insurance (UI) Tax
The Withholding and Unemployment Insurance Tax uses a single registration portal.
- Tax Agencies: Comptroller of Maryland and Maryland Department of Labor
- Registration Portal: Register at the Comptroller of Maryland Online Registration Portal
Complete the registration for both withholding and UI taxes. Once you receive your Employer Account Number, activate your Beacon UI Employer Account.
Visit the Maryland Tax Connect Registration and Linking Tax Account(s) Guide for more details.
Third-Party Administrator (TPA) access
To authorize filing and payment on your behalf:
- Log in to your Beacon Employer Portal.
- Under Your Options, select Account Maintenance.
- Under Employer Account, choose Agent Assignment.
- Click Add Agent.
- Enter Check’s Agent Account Number: MD3Z8J
- Upload the required Power of Attorney (POA) document.
- Under Assign Roles, select:
- Wage submission (original and amended)
- Payment submission
- Enter:
- Begin Date: date of assignment
- Leave End Date blank
Complete your payroll tax profile
After completing the registration steps, complete your payroll tax profile. Be sure to update your account with your:
- Central Registration Number (CRN)
- Employer Account Number
Additional Support
For help with your tax account, registration, or technical errors, contact the state agency directly:
- Phone: (800) 638-2937
- Email: taxhelp@comp.state.md.us
- Employer Account Activation Hotline: (410) 767-8997
- Email: ui.employeractivation@maryland.gov