Comptroller Peter Franchot announced today that all his 12 local branch offices will be open this Saturday, April 10, from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. to provide FREE income tax return assistance and preparation.
“Although the deadline is only one week away, taxpayers shouldn’t panic. The Comptroller’s Office can help make tax filing quick, easy and painless,” said Comptroller Franchot.
The agency has local offices in Annapolis, Baltimore, Cumberland, Elkton, Frederick, Hagerstown, New Carrollton/Landover, Salisbury, Towson, Upper Marlboro, Waldorf and Wheaton. Exact locations of branch offices and phone numbers can be found at http://individuals.marylandtaxes.com/taxhelp/localoffices.asp.
“If you bring in your W2s and completed federal return, we’ll prepare and file your state return for free. Additionally, if you owe money and choose direct debit, we’ll give you two more weeks to pay if you file electronically,” Comptroller Franchot said.
So far, the Comptroller’s office has received nearly 1.3 million electronic returns, which is a nearly 5% increase from this same period last year. Of these electronic returns, more than $1.2 billion in refunds have been returned to hard-working Maryland families. Nearly $80 million have been added to state revenues as a result of tax returns reflecting a balance due.
Besides this Saturday’s special hours, free state tax assistance is available at all of the agency’s 12 taxpayer service offices, Monday through Friday, 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. Telephone assistance is available Monday through Friday, 8 a.m. to 8 p.m. at 1-800-MD-TAXES (1-800-638-2937 or 410-260-7980). Additional hours of assistance will be offered on Thursday, April 15, from 8 a.m. to 7 p.m. at all agency locations. Comptroller of Maryland employees will be available for last minute tax return assistance and preparation.
Taxpayers who owe and to file their tax return by April 15 can choose to have their payment direct debited and get an extra two weeks to pay. Payments must be scheduled for April 30, 2010 or earlier.
Taxpayers can also download state tax forms, find helpful information and check the status of their refund by visiting the Comptroller’s Web site, www.marylandtaxes.com or by calling 1-800-MD-TAXES Monday through Friday, from 8 a.m. until 8 p.m. through April 16.