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Friday, April 10, 2020

Reminder: Processing of Paper Income Tax Returns to Temporarily Stop on April 15 Due to COVID-19


Taxpayers seeking refunds urged to postmark mailed returns by April 10 

ANNAPOLIS, Md.  - Comptroller Peter Franchot urges Maryland taxpayers seeking refunds to file electronically as soon as possible and reminds those who file paper income tax returns to make sure those returns are postmarked by April 10th to ensure processing. The agency will temporarily stop processing paper tax returns on April 15 in an effort to keep essential employees safe amid the spread of COVID-19.
“We want to make sure every Marylander due a refund gets it as soon as possible, especially during this economic crisis," Comptroller Franchot said. "We are taking this step to balance that goal with our commitment to protecting the health of our dedicated team processing those paper returns. Mailing your paper income tax return by April 10th will help ensure timely processing." 
Most taxpayers receiving refunds have already filed and the number of those anticipating refunds who have yet to do so and plan to file via paper returns is very low. The deadline for individuals and businesses to file and pay their state income tax was previously extended until July 15. 
Since taking office in 2007, Comptroller Franchot has encouraged taxpayers to file electronically. Nearly 86 percent of the more than three million returns processed annually by the agency are filed electronically, while approximately 450,000 returns are manually submitted, costing the state about $5 each to process. It takes an average of 2.2 business days to process an electronically filed return compared to the average of 22 business days to process a paper return.
The decision to temporarily stop processing paper returns after April 15 will further reduce the staff required to work on site. The electronic filing process requires minimal human intervention, and is a cost-effective and more secure way to submit taxes at a time when tax fraud and identity theft schemes are on the rise across the nation.
The agency will continue to monitor the situation closely and could alter the schedule if necessary.

10 comments:

Anonymous said...

Why aren't Bob Culver and Jake Day participating in the daily coronavirus conference calls????

Just sending Wayne Strausburg and Julia Glanz to represent them is irresponsible to their constituents.

Anonymous said...

I sent in my DE taxes electronically in early Feb. and I have no idea when they will pay my refund. Either they do not have employees there or they are sitting on peoples money.

Anonymous said...

My problem with Maryland's taxes is that it costs you $23.99 to file electronically.

Anonymous said...

The State of Delaware does not automatically issue refunds.
They have one person that determines when the refund will be sent.
You have to call and raise Hell them you might might get your refund
It have been this way for years

Anonymous said...

8:50 - I FILE WITH MARYLAND TAX SITE AND THEY NEVER CHARGE.

Anonymous said...

I owe. I'm waiting to file later after I've gotten my $1200 deposit.

Anonymous said...

April 10, 2020 at 8:50 AM:

Well just go ahead and be a tightwad and mail in that tax return. Then wait for some bureaucrat to enter it into a computer for you and analyze it for errors. Then wait for the bureaucracy to cut a check for your refund and drop it in snail mail. When you get the check (finally) then you can drive it to your bank and deposit it so you can spend the money a month or two after mailing in your return. Or you can spending the $23.99 to file electronically and have the money in your account in a week or two, ready to spend from your account at the bank. Its a no-brainer for me. I don't know why it is a problem for you.

Anonymous said...

April 10, 2020 at 8:50 AM:

Use the MD tax filing (free) website and it costs you nothing to file electronically.

Anonymous said...

Damn 1224 - didn't you get the memo? Shhhhhhhhhhhhhhh!

Anonymous said...

April 10, 2020 at 2:14 PM:

Damn 2:14, I certainly did get the memo. Do you think you know more than anybody else? I owe for last year (2019) because I made much more than the year before (2018), so much so that it would disqualify me from most of the $1200 rebate based on my 2019 income. Waiting because I owe, can wait until July 15 to pay 2019 taxes, and the IRS will use my 2018 filing to determine my rebate. How does it feel to see how educated people do it?