Tax tip #31

High-tech ways to serve you

E-mail tax questions

You can e-mail your questions, suggestions and comments to the Comptroller's Office at taxhelp@comp.state.md.us.

File taxes electronically

You can file your Maryland personal tax return electronically using one of these options:

• File online for free, using iFile.
• File from your personal computer, using approved commercial software.
• File through an approved professional tax preparer.

For more details, see Electronic Filing.

Request filing extension

If you filed for a federal extension with IRS, the Maryland extension is automatic if you do not owe additional Maryland tax. If you did not file a federal extension, but wish to request a Maryland extension and owe no additional tax, you can:

• File your request online.
• File an extension request by telephone at 410-260-7829 from Central Maryland or 1-800-260-3664 from elsewhere.

Taxpayers who owe additional state tax must file Maryland Form 502E and include payment of the tax due.

Enjoy direct deposit refunds

You can have your state income tax refund deposited directly into your bank account.

Check refund status online

You can check on the status of your Maryland income tax refund online by visiting the Comptroller's Web site.

You can also check on your refund status any time, 24 hours a day, by calling 410-260-7701 from Central Maryland or 1-800-218-8160 from elsewhere. Be sure to have a copy of your tax return ready to verify information.

Pay by direct debit or credit card

You can have your tax balance due deducted directly from your bank account by filing your tax return electronically. You may also pay your taxes by credit card.

If you file electronically by the April 15 deadline, you have until April 30 to make the electronic payment (by direct debit or credit card).

Call 1-800-2PAYTAX (1-800-272-9829) or visit the Official Payments Web site.

Pay delinquent taxes online

If you've received a bill for any overdue personal income tax or business tax liabilities, you can pay those liabilities online for free by using our Bill Pay service available on our Web site www.marylandtaxes.com.

Find free tax preparation

You can have your Maryland tax return completed for you and even filed electronically free of charge at any of the Comptroller's taxpayer service offices. The locations and directions to these offices are available on our Web site.

Request payment agreement online

You can set up an payment agreement online for your Maryland personal income tax liability. You can also set up automatic payments for an existing payment agreement, view a history of agreements and previous payments, and pay by direct debit.

Register new business online

You can register a new business by completing the online Combined Registration Application on our Web site. You can also fax your completed application to us at 410-767-1571. To obtain help with completing the application, call 410-767-1313 in Baltimore, or toll-free 1-800-492-1751 from elsewhere in Maryland.

File, pay business taxes online

Businesses can file and pay their sales and use tax and employer withholding tax online, using bFile.

Maryland-based motor carriers and trucking companies can also file their International Fuel Tax Agreement (IFTA) reports online from our Web site.

In addition, businesses can pay their alcoholic beverage or tobacco taxes online, using our Online Services page.

File, pay business taxes by phone

Businesses can also file and pay their sales and use tax and employer withholding tax by making a free telephone call that generates an electronic funds transfer and sends the tax return electronically. For more information, call 410-260-7601.

If no taxes are due, businesses can telefile their required returns by calling 410-260-7225. Be sure to have your sales tax return on hand when you call. Instructions on telefiling no-tax-due returns are included in the employer withholding and sales and use tax coupon books.

Search for unclaimed funds online

You can search our records online for free to see if you are one of the owners of millions of dollars in unclaimed funds.

Some unclaimed property items are also up for bid on eBay, the popular Internet auction Web site. To view these items, click on the eBay logo on our home page.

File unclaimed property holder report online

Financial institutions and other holders of unclaimed property can file their unclaimed property holder reports online. They can also review reporting requirements and the Abandoned Property Act.

Request hearing appeal online

If you have received an assessment or have had a request for refund denied by the Comptroller of Maryland, you may submit a hearing request online, using our Online Services page.

Find free tax assistance

You can e-mail your personal or business tax questions to us at taxhelp@comp.state.md.us.

To find information about personal taxes, go to our Individuals page.

Individual taxpayers can also call 410-260-7980 from Central Maryland or 1-800-MD TAXES from elsewhere, Monday-Friday, 8:00 a.m. - 5:00 p.m. EDT.

To find information about business taxes, go to our Businesses page. Assistance is also available for business taxpayers by calling 410-260-7980 or toll-free 1-800-638-2937 from elsewhere in Maryland, Monday-Friday, 8:00 a.m. - 5:00 p.m. EDT.

Find tax compliance information

For assistance with tax compliance matters, see Compliance Division.

You can also e-mail your compliance inquiries to compliance@comp.state.md.us or call 410-767-1555 or 1-888-674-0020, Monday-Friday, 8:00 a.m. - 5:00 p.m. EDT.