Free iFile Available at www.marylandtaxes.com

ANNAPOLIS, MD (Sept. 22, 2006)-Comptroller William Donald Schaefer today reminded Maryland taxpayers, who have received a six month extension on their 2005 personal income tax returns, to file by the Monday, Oct. 16, deadline, adding that filing is free to all state taxpayers, using iFile, at www.marylandtaxes.com. About 75,000 extension returns are expected to be filed this year.

"I-File makes it less of a headache to submit your tax returns," said Comptroller Schaefer. "It's fast, it's safe, it's easy; and it's free."

Maryland taxpayers may qualify for the six month extension if they either do not owe additional state taxes or have paid in full their tax obligation by the April 18 due date, thus having no outstanding tax liability. Using iFile ensures the fastest way to get a tax refund.

With just more than three weeks left to file before the extension deadline, more than 1.2 million Maryland taxpayers have e-filed their taxes in 2006, a 10 percent increase over last year. More than 115,000 taxpayers have iFiled this year, a 9.25 percent increase over 2005.

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