Last Chance: Tax Deadline Approaching

Patch's new “Last Chance” feature lets you know about important upcoming deadlines. Here is a date that you might not want to miss:

There are exactly two weeks left for Marylanders to file their state and federal tax returns. This year’s filing deadline is April 17, because the traditional April 15 deadline falls on a Sunday, and April 16 is Emancipation Day in the District of Columbia.

“Just because there are two extra days this year to file your taxes doesn’t mean you should procrastinate,” Maryland Comptroller Peter Franchot said in a statement released April 3. “Taxpayers who wait until the last minute to file, especially those who file by paper, can miss deductions or make mistakes. The last thing you want are errors that could delay a refund.”

To cut down on errors and speed up refunds, the Comptroller encourages everyone to e-file.  

“Filing electronically is so easy and offers Marylanders many benefits,” Franchot said.

Marylanders who owe taxes and file electronically by the April 17 deadline will have until April 30 to make the electronic payment by direct debit or credit card. The direct debit option is available only to taxpayers who file electronically.

Taxpayers who need to file an extension must submit their request by the April 17 deadline and will have until Oct. 17 to file their 2011 tax returns. 

The comptroller reminds taxpayers that an extension to file doesn’t mean an extension to pay taxes due. If you already requested an extension from the IRS for your federal return and you do not owe additional state tax, you automatically receive a six-month extension for filing your Maryland return.

If no tax is due and you did not request a federal extension, you can request a six-month Maryland extension online or by calling 410-260-7829 from Central Maryland or toll-free 1-800-260-3664 from elsewhere.

Free, state tax assistance is available Monday through Friday, 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. at all 12 of the Comptroller’s branch offices. Additional hours of assistance will be offered April 14 from 9 a.m. until 1 p.m. and April 17, from 8 a.m. to 7 p.m. at all agency locations.

Get branch location information here. As of Feb. 1, cash payments will only be accepted at the Comptroller’s Baltimore office on Preston Street.

Taxpayers can also download state tax forms, find helpful information and check the status of their refund by visiting the comptroller's website or by calling 410-260-7980 or 1-800-MD-TAXES for free state tax help.

The call center is open Monday through Friday, from 8 a.m. until 8 p.m. through April 17, as well as on April 14, from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. To check the status of a refund by phone, please call, 410-260-7701 or 1-800-218-8160.