Comptroller of Maryland. Serving the People. Peter Franchot, Comptroller
Spotlight on Maryland

Tax Reporting on Personal Use of State Motor Vehicles

The personal use of state owned or leased vehicles is considered a non-cash fringe benefit subject to reporting and taxes.  Under provisions of the Internal Revenue Code, the State of Maryland elected to not withhold Federal or State income tax on this fringe benefit. FICA (Social Security and Medicare) taxes will be withheld from employees who are FICA taxable.

This year the reportable taxing period covers November 1, 2010 through October 31, 2011.  As in prior years, the Fleet Management division of the Department of Budget and Management will submit reports to the Central Payroll Bureau for the affected employees.  These reports will be processed in the pay period ending November 15, 2011 for employees of the Regular Payroll system.  Those received too late for the November 15th pay period will be processed for the pay period ending November 29, 2011 and December 13, 2011.  Receipt of Auto Fringe Benefit Reports by Central Payroll Bureau after December 13, 2011 will result in a W-2 correction that may require the taxpayer to file an amended tax return.

The value of the fringe benefit will be posted to the employee’s Federal and State taxable earnings, and FICA tax, where applicable, will be deducted from current pay.  These actions will appear on the employee’s earnings statement as “AUTO FR VAL” and on the annual Wage and Tax Statement (Form W-2) as an increase to taxable wages and FICA tax.  The net of an employee's check will decrease due to the additional FICA tax withholding.

Questions regarding the Vehicle Fringe Benefit Program should be directed to the Department of Budget and Management’s Auto Fringe Coordinator at 410-260-7337.



 
Additional Links: Taxable Fringe Benefits
State Employees
Taxable Fringe Benefits
  Tax Reporting on Personal Use of State Motor Vehicles
  Withholding of Taxes on Fringe Benefits Value - State Vehicles