Tax-Filing Deadline Less Than a Week Away, Free Tax Help at Local Branch Offices This Saturday
Annapolis, Md. (April 12, 2011) – Comptroller Peter Franchot announced today that all of his 12 local branch offices will be open this Saturday, April 16, from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. to provide FREE income tax return assistance and preparation.
“Although the deadline is less than 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. Complete addresses 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, you will have two more weeks to pay your tax liability, if you file electronically,” Comptroller Franchot said.
Besides this Saturday’s special hours, free 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 also be offered on the tax-filing deadline, Monday, April 18, from 8 a.m. to 7 p.m. at all agency locations. Comptroller employees will be available for last minute tax return assistance and preparation.
Taxpayers who owe and file their tax return electronically by April 18 can choose to have their payment direct debited and get an extra two weeks to pay. Payments must be scheduled for April 30 or earlier.
Due to the large volume of mail received in the final days before the tax deadline, taxpayers who file by paper and are expecting a refund should plan for a delay in receiving their money. To check the status of a refund, visit the Comptroller’s Website at https://interactive.marylandtaxes.com/INDIV/refundstatus/home.aspx or by phone, call 410-260-7701 or 1-800-218-8160.
“We pride ourselves in processing payments and refunds efficiently for millions of tax returns each year; however, as we get closer to the deadline, payments are given priority,” said Comptroller Franchot. “So, taxpayers who file at the last minute by paper and are expecting a refund should expect a significant delay in receiving their check. I would also encourage those filers to consider e-filing next year.”
Taxpayers can also download state tax forms and find helpful information by visiting the Comptroller’s Website, www.marylandtaxes.com.