MD Tax Deadline 2022: Last-Minute Filing Tips

MARYLAND — There are only three weeks left to file your federal tax return, and many Maryland taxpayers are just now submitting them. You have an extra day to buckle down, compile and submit your tax returns.

Maryland has extended the state filing deadline to July 15, according to the comptroller's office.

While April 15 is normally Tax Day, when that date falls on a weekend or holiday, it is pushed back to the next business day. Tax Day is delayed in 2022 because April 15 is Good Friday and Passover. This pushes the deadline to the next business day, which is Monday, April 18.

The IRS said this week it continues to process tax returns and deliver refunds at a rapid pace for the current filing season. As of the week ending March 25, the IRS has issued almost 58 million refunds worth nearly $189 billion. The average refund is $3,263.

Even with an extra weekend, the IRS urges taxpayers to avoid waiting until the last minute to file their taxes. And while taxpayers who need more time to sort out their taxes can file for an extension on their tax return, that doesn't give you more time to pay any taxes owed. April 18 is still the deadline for all taxes you owe the government.

If you need more time to file:

• Ask for an extension to file to Oct. 15 (an extension to file is not an extension to pay the taxes you owe)
• Pay the tax you owe on time to avoid penalties and interest
• Find out what to do if you can’t pay what you owe by April 18

IRS Free File lets you prepare and file your federal income tax online using guided tax preparation, at an IRS partner site or Free File Fillable Forms. It's safe, easy and no cost to you for a federal return.

As the Internal Revenue Service deals with staffing shortages and backlogs, consumer advocates urge taxpayers to file their 2021 returns as far ahead of the April 18 deadline as possible. They should also file electronically.

The IRS says most refunds are issued in less than 21 days for taxpayers who filed electronically and chose direct deposit.

To check the status of a refund, taxpayers should use the Where's My Refund? tool on IRS.gov. Information for the most current tax year filed is generally available within 24 hours after the IRS acknowledges receipt of a taxpayer's e-filed return.

If you file a paper return, you should wait four weeks before checking the status.

Here are some crunch-time tips from the IRS:

File electronically: IRS efile is available to all taxpayers and many can e-file their individual tax returns for free. Last year, nearly 100 million taxpayers opted for this option to submit their individual tax returns.

Check the identification numbers: Carefully check identification numbers — usually Social Security numbers — for each person listed. This includes you, your spouse, dependents and persons listed in relation to claims for the Child and Dependent Care Credit or Earned Income Tax Credit. Missing, incorrect or illegible Social Security numbers can delay or reduce a tax refund.

Double-check your figures: If you are filing a paper return, double-check that you have correctly figured the refund or balance due.

Check the tax tables: If you e-file, the software will do this for you. If you are using Free File Fillable Forms or a paper return, double-check that you used the right figure from the tax table for your filing status.

Sign your form: You must sign and date your return. If you’re filing a joint return, both you and your spouse must sign it, even if only one of you had income. If you paid someone to prepare your return, they must also sign it and enter their Preparer Tax Identification Number.

Send your return to the right address: If you are mailing a return, find the correct mailing address at www.irs.gov.

Pay electronically: Electronic payment options are convenient, safe and secure methods for paying taxes. You can authorize an electronic funds withdrawal or use a credit or a debit card.

Follow instructions when mailing a payment: People sending a payment should make the check payable to the United States Treasury and should enclose it with, but not attach it to, the tax return or the Form 1040-V, Payment Voucher, if used. The check should include the Social Security number of the person listed first on the return, daytime phone number, the tax year and the type of form filed.

File or request an extension of time to file: By the April 18 due date, you should either file a return or request an extension of time to file. Remember, the extension of time to file is not an extension of time to pay.

Maryland Tax Help

Appointments at any of the comptroller’s 12 branch offices must be scheduled online in advance. Virtual appointments also are available. No walk-ins will be accepted. Masks are required in all branch offices, regardless of vaccination status.

Taxpayers can call 1-800-MD-TAXES or email taxhelp@marylandtaxes.gov. The agency’s branch offices and call centers are both open 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m., Monday through Friday. The call center is open until 7 p.m., only for personal income tax assistance.

For questions abut federal taxes, visit www.irs.gov or call Taxpayer Advocate Service at 443-853-6000 or 877-777-4778 (outside the Baltimore area). You can also get federal tax help at seven Maryland Taxpayer Assistance Centers.

As always, taxpayers should file their returns electronically and use direct deposit for the fastest possible processing and to ensure they receive all possible refunds and to avoid continued delays with the United States Postal Service. A list of approved vendors for use in filing your electronic return can be found on the Comptroller’s website.

Maryland taxpayers also can use the agency’s free I-File system.

Correction: This story has been updated to correct the date Maryland taxes are due.