Tax season may be over, but for many business owners in Maryland, the questions—and concerns—are just beginning. Did you uncover an unexpected corporate tax liability? Are you questioning a corporate tax assessment or worried about a corporate income tax audit? If so, you’re not alone, and you’re not out of options.
Post-filing is one of the most critical windows to identify and correct potential issues—and that’s where corporate tax appeals come in. Whether you’re dealing with the IRS or the Maryland Comptroller, understanding how to navigate corporate and business tax appeals can protect your financial interests and potentially reduce your corporate tax liability.
Corporate tax appeals are a significant source of frustration that costs Maryland businesses time and money, when not handled appropriately. At Saltzman Law, we work with businesses across Maryland to challenge inaccurate corporate tax assessments, resolve corporate tax disputes, and position their business tax strategies for long-term growth. If you’re wondering what to do now that tax season is behind you, this guide breaks down what you need to know—and when to act.
Why Corporate Tax Appeals Matter After Filing
Once you’ve filed your corporate taxes, it might feel like you’re in the clear. But in reality, this is when many issues come to light. Maryland business owners often receive notices weeks—or even months—later that show discrepancies in their corporate tax filings or trigger an audit.
Some of the most common reasons Maryland businesses need to file a corporate appeal post-tax season include:
- Unexpected IRS or state corporate tax assessments
- Disallowed deductions or credits for corporate taxes
- Estimated corporate income taxes based on incorrect information
- Missed corporate tax deadlines for deductions or elections
- Corporate tax penalties or interest that don’t align with your records
In these cases, filing a timely corporate tax appeal can lead to a reduced bill—or in some cases, a full reversal.
Learn more about: Corporate Tax Appeals in Maryland
Common Business Tax Disputes Worth Appealing
Not every corporate tax issue can be appealed, but many are appealed successfully when you have corporate attorneys ready to assist your business. If you’re unsure whether you have a valid case, here are a few examples where Saltzman Law can step in to help:
1. Commercial Real Estate Tax Assessments
If your Maryland business property was over-assessed and led to a higher commercial property tax bill, you may have grounds to challenge the valuation.
2. Corporate Income Tax Disputes
From allocation errors to income sourcing issues, these can have a big impact on your corporate tax liability—and they’re often appealable for Maryland businesses with the right documentation and legal representation.
3. Corporate Sales and Use Tax Penalties
If you’ve received a notice claiming underpayment or misclassification of corporate sales tax, a legal review with your attorney can often identify issues worth disputing.
4. Corporate Employment Tax Notices
Whether it’s corporate payroll tax, classification of workers, or late tax filing penalties, these situations require experienced legal support and handling to prevent costly outcomes.
5. Nonprofit Tax Exemptions
If you’re a nonprofit that was denied or revoked tax-exempt status, our legal team can help you appeal and reinstate eligibility.
Tax appeals for nonprofits in Maryland are time-sensitive and governed by strict procedural rules, so it’s important to consult legal counsel as early as possible.
How the Corporate Tax Appeals Process Works in Maryland
Navigating a corporate tax appeal can be overwhelming—but knowing the general flow makes it a lot easier to take the next step with confidence.
Here’s how the corporate tax appeal process typically unfolds:
Step 1: Notice of Corporate Tax Assessment or Action
You’ll receive a formal communication in the mail from the IRS or state tax authority. This notice outlines the changes or charges made to your original corporate tax return.
Step 2: Corporate Tax Evaluation & Strategy
This is where we come in. Saltzman Law reviews your corporate tax documents, correspondence, and filing history to determine the validity of the claim and outline possible outcomes.
Step 3: Corporate Administrative Appeal
Saltzman Law will file a formal corporate tax appeal, often beginning with an internal review process through the IRS Office of Appeals or Maryland Tax Court, depending on jurisdiction.
Step 4: Corporate Tax Appeal Resolution or Hearing
Many cases are resolved without going to court, but if needed, Saltzman Law will represent your interests through a formal corporate tax appeal hearing.
When Should You File a Corporate Tax Appeal?
In most cases, you’ll only have 30 to 90 days from the date of your notice to file a corporate tax appeal. Missing that window could cost you the opportunity to challenge the claim, which is why acting quickly with trusted legal counsel post-filing is critical.
Here are a few signs it’s time to consult a corporate tax attorney:
- You’ve received a corporate tax notice you don’t fully understand
- The corporate tax amount owed is higher than expected
- You suspect a calculation or classification error on your corporate tax return
- You’ve already tried resolving the corporate tax issue with your accountant or preparer
If any of these apply to you, it’s best to talk to someone who understands both state and federal corporate tax law.
Why Work with a Corporate Maryland Tax Attorney?
A CPA is great for preparing and filing taxes—but when it comes to corporate tax appeals, you need legal representation. The attorneys at Saltzman Law bring decades of experience with corporate Maryland tax codes, administrative procedures, and court representation if necessary.
Here’s what you get when you work with our team:
- Strategic corporate tax case analysis with legal expertise
- Representation in front of the IRS or Maryland Comptroller
- Negotiation to reduce corporate tax liability, penalties, or interest
- Long-term corporate tax planning to prevent future issues
We’ve helped businesses across Maryland protect their financial health—and we’re ready to help you do the same.
What Happens If You Don’t Appeal?
Ignoring a corporate tax notice or accepting it at face value could mean:
- Paying more in corporate taxes than you owe
- Unnecessary corporate tax penalties and interest
- Damaged business credit or corporate tax liens
- Wage or asset garnishment
If you suspect your business was incorrectly assessed or penalized on a corporate tax filing, the sooner you act, the better your chances of reversing the issue or reducing your corporate tax liability.
Saltzman Law: Your Partner in Corporate Tax Appeals
No one wants to deal with corporate tax issues after April 15—but unfortunately, that’s often when the real work begins. If you’ve received a confusing tax notice, a large bill, or a tax assessment you don’t agree with, Saltzman Law is here to help.