By Special Press Release
ANNAPOLIS, Md. (January 21, 2025) — Comptroller Brooke E. Lierman announced today that the 2025 Tax Filing Season will begin in Maryland on January 27, with a controlled rollout in accordance with IRS best practices. Full return processing is expected to begin on February 3.
Comptroller Lierman was joined for the announcement by Code for America CEO Amanda Renteria, CASH Campaign of Maryland CEO Robin McKinney, and Nancy Carr, associate state director for Communications for AARP Maryland.
During the past two years, Comptroller Lierman has focused on building a modern and responsive agency for taxpayers to meet the needs of Marylanders and Maryland businesses. The next two years will continue those efforts, with tangible progress Marylanders can see and experience through modern upgrades to technology that will allow them greater access to their own tax information.
Maryland Launching Direct File
Maryland is one of 25 states participating in IRS Direct File, which will allow 30 million Americans, including 870,000 Marylanders, to file their federal and state tax returns at no cost. During the press conference, Comptroller Lierman highlighted key features of Direct File, including allowing users to transfer certain information from their federal return to their state return, which will allow users to save time and money. Direct File is expected to be available on January 27, when tax season opens.
“The IRS estimates the average American spends an average of $270 and eight hours filing their taxes. That is too much time and too much money spent on something that we require you to do,” Comptroller Lierman said. “This is an important and free alternative to relying on and paying an expensive tax professional or software company to do what many of us should be able to do for free.”
Maryland’s filing tool is built and maintained by Code for America, which will provide support to Marylanders as they file their taxes through live chat and email, much like the IRS provides to Direct File users through the federal platform. Direct File is designed for use on mobile devices and is available in both English and Spanish.
“Free, easy online state tax filing will make transformational tax benefits more accessible to people across Maryland,” said Ms. Renteria. “Code for America is ecstatic about the opportunity to support this effort via our FileYourStateTaxes tool, which is proof of what’s possible when we focus on using technology to make government work well for everyone.”
The CASH Campaign assists more than 20,000 Marylanders each year with their tax returns and estimates that Marylanders pay an average of $378 to file simple returns.
“We will always have the one-on-one interaction that we have through the Volunteer Income Tax Assistance (VITA) program. It’s always important for the population that needs it, that has complexity,” Ms. McKinney shared. “But having something like Direct File at the federal level and the leadership we have in Maryland will empower people to finally do their own taxes.”
AARP Maryland estimates that in 2022, AARP Foundation Tax-Aide volunteers assisted more than 40,000 Marylanders in securing over $27.5 million in federal refunds and nearly $2.8 million in state refunds.
“We strongly believe the IRS Direct File program can further streamline tax filing, reduce associated costs, and benefit both our members and the broader community,” Ms.Carr said. “We fully support the Comptroller’s efforts to modernize tax and fee collection. At the same time, we recognize that some older taxpayers may still prefer in-person assistance when filing their taxes.”
Marylanders interested in filing using Direct file are encouraged to review their eligibility using the IRS’s Eligibility Checker.
#EarnedIt Campaign
During the press conference, Comptroller Lierman also announced the launch of the #EarnedIt Campaign, a campaign designed to encourage eligible Marylanders to file their taxes and claim the Earned Income Tax Credit (EITC) and Child Tax Credits (CTC), which help lower the taxes that working Marylanders and Maryland parents pay or increase the amount they receive in a refund.
“My agency is leading a proactive approach to educating more Marylanders and encouraging them to claim the credits they qualify for,” Comptroller Lierman said. “In the coming days, you will begin to see images like the posters you see up here – on social media. We want Marylanders to know that they may be eligible for tax credits that allow them to keep more of the money that they have earned simply by filing their taxes.”
Tax Filing Webinars and Support
In an effort to expand access to tax resources and expertise available through the agency, the Comptroller’s Public Engagement team will host five webinars in January and February. The webinars, beginning January 22, will cover a range of tax filing resources and initiatives, including Direct File and available tax credits.
The Office of the Comptroller also provides tax preparation assistance through its 11 branch offices across the state. Virtual appointments are also available. Branch offices and call centers are open 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m., Monday through Friday. Call centers will remain open for personal income tax assistance until 6 p.m. between February 3 and April 15, 2025.
Marylanders can make an appointment by calling 1-800-MD-TAXES or email taxhelp@marylandtaxes.gov.
New Improvements to Expect in 2025
During the press conference, the Comptroller unveiled the agency’s new logo featuring a modern, meaningful design rooted in the mission to work in partnership to create a state that’s more equitable, more resilient and more prosperous so that every Marylander can reach their full potential.
The new design includes three elements:
- A key, a nod to the seal, symbolizes stewardship of Maryland’s resources.
- A scale represents a commitment to justice, fairness, and fiscal responsibility.
- A capital building reflecting strength and authority as a pillar of state government.
Comptroller Lierman also highlighted that in the next year, the Comptroller’s Office will increase accountability and transparency with the launch of new tools to improve interactions and the customer experience, including a new Comptroller of Maryland website, and the launch of MYCOMConnect, a new platform allowing the agency to better track progress in interactions with customers, including calls and emails.
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