Central Payroll Bureau – Annapolis, MD

Maryland Central Payroll Bureau

State Employee Compensation and Records

The Central Payroll Bureau (CPB), a division of the Comptroller of Maryland, is the agency responsible for processing and issuing payments to all state government employees. Located in the Annapolis Data Center complex on Carroll Street, this bureau serves as the financial engine for the state’s workforce, managing the payroll for over 100,000 permanent and contractual employees across all branches of government, including the University System of Maryland. The CPB ensures that state workers are paid accurately and on time, while also handling the complex web of deductions, taxes, and benefits administration associated with government employment.

Core Functions and Services

• Payroll Processing: The bureau executes the bi-weekly payroll, generating direct deposits and physical checks, and maintaining the Payroll Online Service Center (POSC) where employees can view pay stubs.
• Tax and Deduction Management: CPB handles federal and state tax withholdings, social security contributions, and voluntary deductions such as health insurance premiums and retirement contributions.
• Reporting and Compliance: The agency is responsible for issuing W-2 wage statements at the end of the fiscal year and ensuring compliance with all IRS and state financial regulations.
• Garnishment Administration: The Garnishment Team within the bureau processes court-ordered wage attachments, including child support, tax liens, and student loan offsets.

Location and Public Interface

The Central Payroll Bureau operates out of a secure government facility near the Revenue Administration Division. While it is primarily an administrative back-office function, it does maintain a public interface for state employees resolving payroll disputes or setting up direct deposit. It is important to note that this office handles state payroll only, not private sector or county level payrolls. Correspondence regarding payroll changes often requires specific forms to be mailed to their distinct Post Office Box rather than the physical street address.