Tax Refunds Not Delayed In Maryland This Year: Comptroller

MARYLAND — The state of Maryland began processing business tax returns on Tuesday, Jan. 8, according to Comptroller Peter Franchot. He said that Maryland has no plans to delay processing of anyone's income tax return, regardless of the government shutdown.

“Marylanders should go about their typical preparations to file their personal income tax returns,” Franchot, who calls himself the state's "Tax Man," said in a statement on Tuesday, Jan. 8.

“My agency is in direct communication with the IRS to monitor the situation," Franchot said. "If there are any changes at the federal level, we will immediately notify taxpayers.”

According to Franchot, the IRS and Maryland are "on track" to start processing individual returns on Jan. 28.

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The IRS, which has a vast majority of its employees on furlough, said it will process tax returns beginning Jan. 28 and provide federal refunds to taxpayers as scheduled. Many of the agency's workers are being called back to work, although they may not be paid.

Federal officials initially said tax refunds may be delayed indefinitely since there wasn't anybody at the IRS available to process them but reversed course on Monday, Jan. 7.

"We are committed to ensuring that taxpayers receive their refunds notwithstanding the government shutdown," IRS Commissioner Chuck Rettig said in a statement. "I appreciate the hard work of the employees and their commitment to the taxpayers during this period."

The filing deadline for 2018 tax returns is Monday, April 15.

The comptroller advised taxpayers to file their returns electronically for the fastest processing and to ensure they receive all possible refunds.

The comptroller's office provided a list of approved vendors for filing an electronic return.

In addition, the comptroller's 12 taxpayer service offices provide free state tax assistance from 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m., Monday through Friday.

The comptroller also offers information online and by calling 1-800-MD-TAXES (1-800-638-2937) or 410-260-7980 in Central Maryland.

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