500E: Application for an Extension to File Corporation Income Tax Return (2024)
Maryland · Comptroller of Maryland · Used for tax years 2024
Maryland Form 500E is the application for an extension to file the corporation income tax return, Form 500. Its tax payment worksheet reports expected tax liability, payments, credits, and any tax due with the extension. The extension gives more time to file, not more time to pay
Who files this form
Form 500E is for corporations requesting more time to file Maryland Form 500, the corporation income tax return. Use it to pay any tax due with the extension. Also use Form 500E for the corporation’s first filing, even if no tax is due.
If no tax is due and this is not the corporation’s first filing, request the extension online or by telephone instead of mailing the paper form.
Affiliated corporations that file a consolidated federal return must file a separate Maryland extension for each member corporation. Maryland does not allow consolidated returns.
Do not use Form 500E to extend Form 510 or Form 511, or to pay employer withholding tax.
When it's due
For tax year 2024, file Form 500E by the 15th day of the fourth month following the close of the tax year or period, or by the original due date required for filing the federal income tax return.
An automatic seven-month extension is granted if Form 500E is filed by the original due date. The extension gives more time to file, not more time to pay the tax due.
What you'll need
Have the following information available to complete Form 500E:
- The corporation’s name exactly as stated in its Articles of Incorporation, or as amended, followed by any Trading As (T/A) name.
- Its current mailing address and nine-digit federal employer identification number (FEIN). If you have applied for a FEIN but have not received it, enter “APPLIED FOR” and the application date.
- The beginning and ending dates if using a tax year other than a calendar year. Use the same tax year or period as the federal return.
- Expected income tax liability. Use Form 500 as a worksheet.
- Maryland estimated tax payments made with Form 500D and any prior-period overpayment credited to the current year.
- Allowable credits from Form 500CR or 502S, or tax paid on the corporation’s behalf by a pass-through entity.
Keep Form 500E available if you file by telephone.
How to file
First, complete the Tax Payment Worksheet. Add lines 2 and 3 to get total payments and credits on line 4. Subtract line 4 from line 1 to find the tax due on line 5.
If line 5 is zero:
- File online at marylandtaxes.gov/online-services/business.php.
- Telefile at 410-260-7829 from Central Maryland or 1-800-260-3664 from elsewhere. Service is available 24 hours a day, seven days a week.
- File through Modernized Electronic Filing (MeF), using a provider approved by the IRS and Revenue Administration Division.
- If this is the corporation’s first filing, mail Form 500E.
If line 5 shows tax due:
- Pay by electronic funds transfer. Register first at marylandtaxes.gov or call 410-260-7980 to obtain a registration form.
- File electronically through MeF.
- Or mail Form 500E with a check or money order. Payments of $10,000 or more must use electronic funds transfer or MeF.
Mailing address:
Comptroller of Maryland
Revenue Administration Division
110 Carroll Street
Annapolis, MD 21411-0001
Make checks or money orders payable to Comptroller of Maryland. Write the FEIN, tax type, and tax year on the payment in blue or black ink. Do not send cash.
If filing online, through MeF, or paying by electronic funds transfer, do not mail Form 500E. Keep it with the company’s records.
Common mistakes
- Treating the extension as extra time to pay. It extends only the filing deadline. An unpaid liability disclosed when the return is filed may result in penalties and interest.
- Mailing a paper form when no tax is due. Do not mail it unless this is the corporation’s first filing.
- Mailing a duplicate after electronic filing or payment. Keep the form with company records instead.
- Leaving payment details off a check or money order. Missing the FEIN, tax type, or tax year will delay payment processing.
- Sending cash. The payment instructions expressly prohibit it.
- Missing the first-time filer or name-change checkbox. Check the box if either applies.
- Using the wrong ink. Print the paper form using blue or black ink only.
Questions people ask
How long is the extension?
An automatic seven-month extension is granted when Form 500E is filed by the original due date.
Does the extension give me more time to pay?
No. It extends the time to file Form 500, but not the time to pay tax due.
What if this is the corporation’s first filing and no tax is due?
Mail Form 500E and check the box for a first-time filer or name change.
What if the corporation does not have a FEIN yet?
If it has applied, enter “APPLIED FOR” followed by the application date. If it has not applied, the instructions say to do so immediately.
Can affiliated corporations file one Maryland extension together?
No. Each member corporation must file a separate Maryland extension, even if the corporations file a consolidated federal return.