Choose Direct Deposit

One of the best ways to get your Maryland income tax refund faster is through direct deposit. Choosing to have your refund deposited directly into your bank account avoids the uncertainty of that "check in the mail" and waiting in line to deposit the check at the bank.

If you file electronically and choose direct deposit of your refund, we will transfer the funds to your bank account within several days from the date your return is accepted and processed.

Verify bank numbers

Make sure you have the correct bank account number and bank routing number before filing your return.

Your bank routing number appears on the left side of the bottom of your check. Your bank account number is shown towards the right, after your routing number.

If you are using a check from a bank which is made payable through another financial institution, check with the financial institution to verify your bank account and routing numbers and make sure your direct deposit will be accepted.

Enter your numbers carefully. We cannot be held responsible for a lost refund if you enter incorrect account information. In addition, we cannot change any of your bank account and routing numbers after you have filed your return, even if you request us to do so. We also cannot cancel your direct deposit once you have filed the request.

Bank accounts outside U.S.

In order to comply with new banking rules, we ask you that you check a special box on the back of your return to indicate if your state refund is going to an account outside the United States. If this is the case, do not enter your routing and account number on your return, since the direct deposit option is not available to you. We will send you a paper check.

Electronic filers

• Tell us whether you want your refund deposited in your checking or savings account by using the checking or savings account indicator (CSI). Depending on the software, you will check a box or indicate your choice with a "Y" or "N."
• Enter the bank routing number. This is the nine-digit number located in the lower left hand corner of your personal check.
• Enter your bank account number. This number appears on the bottom of your check, to the right of the routing number.
• If you do not know your bank routing number or bank account number, contact your financial institution. This information is important. If it's incorrect, we will issue you a paper check.

Paper filers

You will need to enter your bank routing number and your bank account number on your form, and indicate if the account is a checking or savings account. (Do not enter your routing and account number on your return if your refund is going to an account outside the U.S.)

• Form 503 - complete lines 24a, 24b and 24c.
• Form 502 - complete lines 52a, 52b and 52c.
• Form 505 - complete lines 55a, 55b and 55c.

Amended returns

While the refund from an original filing can be deposited electronically, any refund generated by an amended return must be issued as a paper check.

The Comptroller of Maryland is not responsible for the misapplication of a direct deposit refund that is caused by the error, negligence or malfeasance on the part of the taxpayer, electronic filer, return preparer, financial institution or any of their agents.