Maryland Small Businesses: The New $20,000 IRS Rule Won’t Protect You from the State’s $600 Annual Fee

Maryland small business fees — Image Source: Shutterstock

Small business owners in Maryland may have been looking forward to a bit of a tax break this year. The IRS reinstated the 1099-K reporting threshold. However, things look a bit different on the state level. Maryland isn’t following the same rules. Even if you avoid the reporting requirements for the federal government, you could still be on the hook for state-level fees and filings. Here is what everyone needs to know.

The New $20,000 IRS Rule Explained

At the federal level, the IRS has restored the 1099-K reporting threshold to $20,000 and 200 transactions. This means many small businesses and side hustlers will no longer receive a 1099-K form unless they exceed those limits.

The change was designed to reduce confusion and administrative burden for smaller sellers. For many entrepreneurs, it feels like a step back toward simpler tax reporting. But this federal relief doesn’t eliminate Maryland’s small business fees or state-level requirements.

Maryland Still Uses a Much Lower $600 Threshold

While the IRS raised its threshold, Maryland kept its own rules intact. In Maryland, payment platforms must still report income once it hits just $600. That’s a massive difference compared to the federal $20,000 threshold. Even small side hustles or occasional sales can trigger reporting requirements in the state.

Many business owners assume federal rules override everything, but that’s not how it works. States have the authority to set their own reporting thresholds and tax requirements. Even if you don’t receive a federal 1099-K, Maryland may still expect full reporting. This means you could owe taxes or face compliance requirements without federal paperwork.

In the past, small online sellers often flew below the reporting radar. But with Maryland’s $600 threshold, even modest income is now visible to the state. Selling items online, freelancing, or accepting digital payments can all trigger reporting. This applies even if you only made a few transactions during the year.

5 Smart Ways to Stay Ahead of These Costs

Navigating this gap is now a key part of managing Maryland small business fees effectively. Here are five ways you can stay ahead.

Track all income carefully, even if it’s below federal reporting thresholds.
Understand Maryland’s $600 rule and plan for state reporting requirements.
Set aside money for annual filing and compliance costs early in the year.
Consider consulting a tax professional familiar with Maryland regulations.
Review your business structure to ensure it’s still cost-effective.

The return to a $20,000 IRS threshold may feel like a break for small businesses. But in Maryland, the reality is much more complicated. State-level rules and fees can still create significant financial obligations. When it comes to Maryland small business fees, what happens at the state level matters just as much (if not more) than federal changes.

Have you been caught off guard by state business fees, or do you think small businesses are being overregulated?

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Drew Blankenship

Drew Blankenship is a seasoned automotive professional with over 20 years of hands-on experience as a Porsche technician. While Drew mostly writes about automotives, he also channels his knowledge into writing about money, technology and relationships. Based in North Carolina, Drew still fuels his passion for motorsport by following Formula 1 and spending weekends under the hood when he can. He lives with his wife and two children, who occasionally remind him to take a break from rebuilding engines.