Comptroller Schaefer Recognizes Tax Preparers For Helping Senior Citizens

Top E-file Providers Honored In Each County

ANNAPOLIS, MD (January 19, 2005) - Maryland Comptroller William Donald Schaefer said his office recently honored 24 tax preparation services for serving the highest number of senior citizens in their respective counties who filed their Maryland taxes electronically in 2004, totaling 3,798 statewide.

"Electronic filing helps makes life a lot easier, especially for older folks," said Comptroller Schaefer. "It's a safe, convenient and easy way to get your taxes done. And it's the fastest method for getting that tax refund. That's why I'm happy to see local tax preparers go the extra mile to help our senior citizens. They're one of the reasons why we saw a 27% boost in e-files from seniors last year."

Certificates of recognition were awarded to the following commercial tax professionals who prepared the most electronic filings for taxpayers 65 and over in their local county and Baltimore City:

Allegany County
RHR-JWR
Lavale, Md.
122 e-filings

Anne Arundel County
H & R Block
Glen Burnie, Md.
347 e-filings

Baltimore County
Wise Financial Group
Baltimore, Md.
253 e-filings

Baltimore City
Income Tax Center
Baltimore, Md.
266 e-filings

Calvert County
Kandace Denise Gagner
St. Leonard, Md.
55 e-filings

Caroline County
Cynthia Barnhart
Denton, Md.
44 e-filings

Carroll County
Hull Company Accountants
Westminster, Md.
307 e-filings

Cecil County
Maryland Samco
Elkton, Md.
31 e-filings

Charles County
Ruth Haney
Waldorf, Md.
68 e-filings

Dorchester County
Wilson & McGinnis PA
Cambridge, Md.
61 e-filings

Frederick County
Pace Enterprise
Middleton, Md.
155 e-filings

Garrett County
Taxco
Oakland, Md.
69 e-filings

Harford County
Charles Egender CPA
Bel Air, Md.
199 e-filings

Howard County
Slade & Company
Columbia, Md.
56 e-filings

Kent County
Salvina Taylor
Chestertown, Md.
131 e-filings

Montgomery County
H & R Block
Gaithersburg, Md.
535 e-filings

Prince George's County
H & R Block
Laurel, Md.
303 e-filings

Queen Anne's County
H & R Block
Chester, Md.
110 e-filings

Saint Mary's County
FIT Financial
Leonardtown, Md.
97 e-filings

Somerset County
Chris Sterling
Crisfield, Md.
6 e-filings

Talbot County
Donald Short
Easton, Md.
28 e-filings

Washington County
Saunders Tax Service
Hagerstown, Md.
214 e-filings

Wicomico County
Bruce Robson
Salisbury, Md.
47 e-filings

Worcester County
Elizabeth Norris
Berlin, Md.
294 e-filings

Statewide, more than 989,000 Marylanders filed their state tax returns electronically in 2004, including 633,000 who used commercial tax preparers. More than 68,000 of the electronic filings received in 2004 came from taxpayers who were 65 and older - 27% above the 53,800 transmitted in 2003.

"If you file electronically and request direct deposit, your refund will be in your bank account within 48 hours after your Maryland return is processed," said Comptroller Schaefer.

The Comptroller's www.marylandtaxes.com Web site offers forms, publications, answers to frequently asked questions, refund information and free electronic filing. Taxpayers can also e-mail their state tax questions to taxhelp@comp.state.md.us

Taxpayers can also call 410-260-7980 from Central Maryland or 1-800-MD-TAXES from elsewhere for state tax help. Extended hours of telephone assistance will be offered Monday through Friday between 8:00 a.m. and 9:00 p.m., from January 18 until April 15, 2005.

CONTACT:

Michael D. Golden 410-260-7305