Comptroller Urges Taxpayers to iFile This Year to Ensure Quick Processing, Refunds
Possible Govt. Shutdown Could Impact Tax Processing, Refunds –
Annapolis, Md. (April 7, 2011) – In light of Friday’s possible federal government shutdown, Comptroller Peter Franchot today encouraged Maryland taxpayers to electronically file their state tax returns using the agency’s free online filing system, iFile, to ensure the return is quickly received and processed. More than a million taxpayers are expected to file their tax return or request an extension in the next two weeks.
“A federal government shutdown could potentially impact the more than one million Marylanders who haven’t filed their tax returns yet,” said Comptroller Franchot. “Taxpayers could have their refunds delayed if the IRS systems can’t be operated,” he added.
Recognizing this potential fiscal impact on Marylanders, the Comptroller is encouraging taxpayers to use his agency’s tax preparation and filing service, called iFile, found at www.marylandtaxes.com. More than 100,000 taxpayers have already used the agency’s iFile system to file a return this year.
“Taxpayers should use our iFile system because it’s FREE, safe and we’ll ensure you get your refund within 72 hours of the return being accepted. You don’t have to worry about how a possible government shutdown would impact your return or when you would get your refund,” Comptroller Franchot said.
This year’s tax filing deadline has been extended to Monday, April 18, allowing taxpayers three additional days to prepare and file their 2010 tax returns. As an added bonus, taxpayers who owe money have an extra two weeks to pay their liability if they file their tax return by the April 18 deadline and choose to have their payment direct debited. Payments must be scheduled for April 30, 2011 or earlier.
Free, state tax assistance is available at all of the agency’s 12 taxpayer service offices, Monday through Friday, 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. Additional hours of assistance will be offered on Saturday, April 16 from 9 a.m. until 1 p.m., and on Monday, April 18, from 8 a.m. to 7 p.m. at all agency locations.
Taxpayers can also download state tax forms, find helpful information and check the status of their refund by visiting the Comptroller’s Website, www.marylandtaxes.com or by calling 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 18, as well as on Saturday, April 16 from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m.