October 2025 Tax Deadlines & Payment Guide

For Marylanders, Individuals, Businesses, Payroll Filers, and Fiduciaries

October ushers in a busy season for Maryland taxpayers—whether you’re an individual, a business owner, payroll filer, or fiduciary. Staying ahead of federal and state tax deadlines helps you avoid costly penalties, keep your records squeaky clean, and maintain peace of mind as the year winds down.

This month’s guide spotlights what you need to know to stay on track, meet your October 2025 tax obligations, and maximize opportunities for a smoother filing season.

• • ✅ Federal Tax Deadlines

    October 10 – Tip Income Reporting

    Employees who received $20 or more in tips during the prior month must report them to their employer by this date.

  • Payment Instructions:

    Employers must include reported tips in payroll tax calculations and remit applicable taxes via EFTPS or their payroll provider.

    October 15 – Extended Filing Deadline

    • ● Individuals: Final day to file 2024 Form 1040 if an extension was filed.  
      ● C Corporations: Final day to file Form 1120 if extended.  
      ● Trusts & Estates: Final day to file Form 1041 if Form 7004 was filed.  
      ● Gift Tax Returns: Form 709 due if extended.  
      ● SEP Contributions: Deadline to contribute for 2024 if extension was filed.
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  • Payment Instructions:

    • Individuals: Any taxes owed were due April 15. Payments made after that date may be subject to penalties and interest. Filing by October 15 avoids late filing penalties, not late payment penalties.
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    • Businesses and fiduciaries: If taxes were not paid with the extension request, they should be paid immediately to minimize penalties.
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    Federal payments can be made via:

    • ● IRS Direct Pay (for individuals)
    • ● EFTPS (for businesses and fiduciaries)
    • ● Check or money order with the appropriate payment voucher (e.g., Form 1040-V or 1041-V)
    
    

    October 31 – Quarterly Payroll Tax Filing

    Employers must file:

    • ● Form 941 (Employer’s Quarterly Federal Tax) for 3rd Quarter
    • ● Form 720 (Quarterly Federal Excise Tax), Form 730 (Monthly Tax Return for Wagers), and Form 2290 (Heavy Highway Vehicle Use Tax), if applicable

    Payment Instructions:
    Payroll taxes must be deposited according to your assigned deposit schedule. Most employers file quarterly, but some may be required to file monthly or annually depending on payroll volume.

  • 📌 Important: Confirm your filing frequency with the IRS or your payroll provider to ensure compliance.

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    💼 Federal Payroll Tax Deposit Schedule

    • Semi-weekly depositors:
      • ● Payday Wednesday–Friday → Deposit by the following Wednesday
      • ● Payday Saturday–Tuesday → Deposit by the following Friday
    • ● Monthly depositors: Deposit prior month’s payroll taxes by the 15th
    • ● Next-day rule: If $100,000+ in tax liability is accumulated on any day, deposit by the next business day

    Payment Instructions:
    Use EFTPS to schedule deposits. Ensure your business is enrolled and has a valid PIN.

    📌 Important: Your deposit schedule is determined by your prior payroll tax liability. Check IRS Publication 15 or consult your payroll provider to confirm your frequency.

     

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• 🏛️ Maryland State Tax Deadlines

  October 15 – Individual & Fiduciary Income Tax

  • Individuals: Final day to file 2024 Maryland Form 502 or 505 if an extension was filed.
  • Fiduciaries (Trusts & Estates): Final day to file Form 504 (and Form 504NR for nonresident fiduciaries) if extended.

  Payment Instructions:

  • Individuals: Any taxes owed were due April 15. Late payments may incur penalties and interest.
  • Fiduciaries: Must pay by check or money order. Online payments are not available for Form 504.
   

• October 20 – Maryland Sales & Use Tax

  Businesses that collect Maryland sales tax must file and remit payment by October 20th, based on the filing frequency assigned by the Maryland Comptroller or if no specific schedule was provided.

  Payment Instructions:
  File and pay via Maryland Tax Connect. Ensure your account is active and linked to your business license.

   📌 Important: Maryland assigns filing frequencies based on your annual sales tax liability. You may be on a monthly, quarterly, semiannual, or annual schedule.
  If no filing frequency was provided, October 20 is the default due date for reporting and payment.
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• 💼 Maryland Payroll Tax Deadlines

  • ● Withholding Tax (Form MW506):
    • ● Monthly filers: Deposit prior month’s withholding by the 15th
    • ● Semi-weekly filers: Follow federal semi-weekly deposit schedule

  Payment Instructions:
  Use Maryland Tax Connect to file Form MW506 and remit payment.

  📌 Important: Maryland assigns payroll deposit frequencies based on your withholding volume. Confirm whether you are a monthly, semi-weekly, or accelerated filer.

🧾 Maryland Fiduciary Estimated Tax Payments

Use Form 504D to make the initial estimated tax payment by mail with a check or money order. After the initial payment or if an overpayment is applied to next year’s tax, Maryland will automatically mail preprinted vouchers (Form 504DEP) for the remaining quarterly payments. 

Payment Instructions:
Use your preprinted Form 504DEP vouchers to mail subsequent payments. If you do not receive them, you or your tax professional can contact the Comptroller’s office.

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  • 🔗 Need a form or instructions? Visit our Resource Page.

  • ✅ Final Reminder

    Staying ahead of tax deadlines helps avoid penalties, maintain compliance, and keep your business running smoothly. If you're unsure about your filing frequency or need help locating the correct forms, give us a call, we're here to support you.

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