Comptroller Franchot Halts Processing Returns from 15 More Private Tax Preparers

ANNAPOLIS, Md. – In his continuing fight to combat tax fraud and identity theft, Comptroller Peter Franchot today announced that, effective immediately, he has suspended processing electronic tax returns from 15 private tax preparers throughout the region due to a high volume of questionable returns received. Combined with two previous announcements this tax season, returns from 54 tax preparers have been halted.

“We remain steadfast and committed to protecting the integrity of our tax system,” Comptroller Franchot said. “My Questionable Return Detection Team has been tireless in identifying fraudulent returns that attempt to drain state coffers and fleece Maryland’s hardworking citizens.”

Accounting for businesses removed from last year’s list of suspended tax preparers because they are now in compliance, the active number of suspensions stands at 93 tax preparation firms at 111 locations. Since 2007, the Comptroller’s Office has detected and blocked nearly 76,000 fraudulent tax returns worth more than $174.2 million.

The new preparers or businesses notified of the action are:
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