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What are the advantages of using the Internet to request extensions?
How long is the extension period?
What if the due date falls on a weekend or holiday?
Can I request an extension beyond two months?
How many entities can I request at one time?
Can I request extensions for multiple entities (up to fifty) and print a separate confirmation page for each entity?
What if the business name is not correct?
What is an Entity ID number?
What if I can’t find the name using the name search?
Why isn’t the extension reflected on the on-line data search?
Should I still file a paper extension form?
What do I file with my return to show that an extension was granted?
Why can't I verify my paper extension on this system?
What if I’m still having problems?
WHAT ARE THE ADVANTAGES OF USING THE INTERNET TO REQUEST EXTENSIONS?
Legislation passed by the 2004 General Assembly changed the rules for requesting a two month extension for the filing of personal property returns. An extension allows a business to file a personal property return on or before June 15th without incurring a late filing penalty. The two options for requesting an extension are via the Internet or by paper document.
1) Internet extension requests via the Department's website are available from February 1st through April 15th of each year and are free of charge. This option offers accurate Department ID# look-up, verification of previously submitted extensions, printed confirmation lists and confirmation numbers, and recall lists by last year's confirmation number. Please visit our website at www.dat.state.md.us and click on "Filing Extension" underneath "What's New?" any time on or after February 1, 2012.
2) Extension requests submitted via paper documents must be postmarked or recieved by SDAT on or before March 15th of each year and require a $20 non-refundable processing fee for each entity. If using this method, businesses should use the Department's revised extension request Form AT3-71 to help ensure that complete and accurate information is submitted. It is available in the personal property return booklet, on our website and through our forms request phone line (410-767-1180). Businesses and preparers must retain copies of all request forms and cancelled checks used to pay for paper extensions in the event of a discrepancy between the entity's and the Department's records.
3) Extension requests via fax or telephone are no longer available.
See the comparison chart below for the advantages of Internet extensions.
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Comparison Chart- Internet vs. Paper Extension Requests
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Internet
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Paper
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Submission Deadline
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April 15th
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March 15th
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Cost Per Entity
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free
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$20
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Printed Confirmation Numbers and Lists Available
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yes
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no
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Recall & Editing of Last Year's Confirmation Number and List
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yes
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no
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Verification of a Previously Submitted Current Year Internet Request
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yes
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no
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Department ID# Lookup
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yes
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no
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Immediate Approval
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yes
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no
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Inactive Status Indicated (e.g., forfeited, merged, dissolved, etc.)
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yes
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no
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HOW LONG IS THE EXTENSION PERIOD?
An approved extension extends the April 18th due date two months until June 15th.
WHAT IF DUE DATE FALLS ON WEEKEND OR HOLIDAY?
If the due date falls on a Saturday, Sunday or state holiday the report is due on the next business day.
CAN I REQUEST AN EXTENSION BEYOND TWO MONTHS?
No. The extension is established by statute and no additional time to file is permitted.
HOW MANY ENTITIES CAN I REQUEST AT ONE TIME?
You can request extensions for an unlimited number of entities, however after entering the ID number of fifty entities, you will be required to submit the request. Once you have requested the extensions you will get a confirmation screen that will show the Entity ID numbers, names, the status of each request and the transaction date. You should print and retain a copy of the page(s).
CAN I REQUEST EXTENSIONS FOR MULTIPLE ENTITIES (UP TO FIFTY)
AND PRINT A SEPARATE CONFIRMATION PAGE FOR EACH ENTITY?
No. However, once an extension request for multiple entities has been confirmed you may use the 'verify extension' function and enter the entity ID# or entity Name and click verify. You can now print the extension verification page for the entity.
What if the business name is not correct?
Unlike our on-line data searches, this is not an on-line database. Most changes to an account,
such as a change in the business name, processed by January, 2012 are reflected in this
system. If the Entity ID number is correct, continue through the system and request an
extension. Refer to our on-line data searches to check for any recent account changes.
What is an Entity ID number?
This is a one-letter, eight-digit number used by the Department to
identify businesses. It is sometimes called a Department ID number. If you
have a one-letter, seven-digit number, add a zero between the letter and the
number. That will usually give you the correct Entity ID number. If you have a
nine-digit number (often a two-digit number followed by a seven-digit number),
you probably have a Federal Employer Identification Number, or FEIN. You cannot use the
FEIN to request a filing extension.
What if I can’t find the name using the name search?
Unlike our internet data search, the name search in this system is a
literal name search. Type the name of the entity, including punctuation marks.
While you only need the first three letters of an entity name, the more
you provide the shorter the list of results will be. If you are having trouble, try using
our on-line data search to get the Entity ID number.
Why isn’t the extension reflected on the on-line data search?
The on-line data search requires that the State’s mainframe computers in Annapolis are operating. There are several
hours each week when the mainframe is not available. Also, most
extension requests are filed just before the deadline which puts a strain on our
mainframe systems. This system is not dependent upon the mainframe computers.
It is designed to be operational 24 hours a day, seven days per week,
and to update our mainframes when they are not experiencing peak loads. An extension request may take up to 72 hours
to be recorded on the mainframe computer. Once you have a confirmation number, the extensions for the entities listed
on that screen have been accepted, even if the mainframe has not been updated.
Should I still file a paper extension request form?
No. If you have reached the confirmation screen, please do not file a paper extension request form..
What do I file with my return to show that an extension was granted?
It is not necessary to file anything with your return to show that an
extension was granted. Once you have requested an extension, it will appear in our records.
You should, however, print and retain a copy of the confirmation screen showing the Entity ID,
date and time the request was filed.
Why can't I verify my paper extension on this system?
Requests made by using a paper extension request form can not be verified on this system.
You can use our data search function to verify that the extension has been received and processed.
Click here to go to our data search
site. Enter the entity name or Department ID number.
What if I’m still having problems?
If you experience difficulties using the system it is recommended that
you use one of the following Internet browsers, Internet Explorer,
Firefox or Chrome.
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