Last Chance: Free Tax Help Offered in Maryland

With less than a week away from the tax filing deadline, Comptroller Peter Franchot announces that all of his 12 local branch offices will be open this Saturday, April 14, 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,” Comptroller Franchot, said. “The Comptroller's Office can help make tax filing quick, easy and painless."

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, 1099s and completed federal return, we'll prepare and file your state return for free," Comptroller Franchot said.

In addition to this Saturday's special hours, free tax assistance is available at all of the agency's offices, Monday through Friday, 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. Telephone assistance is available Monday through Friday, 8 a.m. to 7 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, Tuesday, April 17, from 8 a.m. to 7 p.m. at all agency locations where comptroller employees will be available for last minute tax return assistance and preparation.

Taxpayers who owe and file their tax return electronically by April 17 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 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 be prepared for a significant delay in receiving their refund. 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.