ANNAPOLIS, MD (March 28, 2006)—Maryland Comptroller William Donald Schaefer today announced that his office will be providing extra hours of one-on-one tax help for those still working on their state tax returns in the waning hours before this year’s April 18 filing deadline.

All 12 of the Comptroller’s taxpayer service centers link to http://individuals.marylandtaxes.com/taxhelp/localoffices.asp will offer free assistance in person or over the phone to last-minute filers:

• Saturday, April 8 and 15, from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m.
• Monday, April 17, from 8 a.m. to 7 p.m.
• Tuesday, April 18, from 8 a.m. to 7 p.m.

“We’ll complete your Maryland tax return and file it electronically for free,” said Comptroller Schaefer. “For us to be able to help, just bring your completed federal tax return, state W-2 form and a photo ID.”

Regular hours for taxpayer assistance are 8 a.m. to 5 p.m., Monday through Friday. Taxpayers can also call 1-800 MD TAXES or log on to www.marylandtaxes.com.

So far in 2006, the Comptroller’s Office has filed 1.356 million individual tax returns (859,000 electronic returns and 497,000 paper returns).

MEDIA CONTACTS:
Michael D. Golden, 410-260-7305
Kevin P. Kane, 410-260-7578