FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Comptroller Franchot Reminds Taxpayers of October 15 Extension Deadline

Free iFile Available at www.marylandtaxes.com

ANNAPOLIS, MD (October 10, 2008)- Comptroller Peter Franchot today reminded taxpayers who received a six month extension on their 2007 personal income tax returns, to file by Wednesday's deadline. About 70,000 extension returns are expected to be filed this year by October 15.

The Comptroller added that filing is free to all state taxpayers, using iFile, at www.marylandtaxes.com. "Using iFile makes it easy to submit your tax returns," said Comptroller Franchot. "It's fast, safe, easy and free, in fact taxpayers will receive a refund within a few days by filing electronically."

Maryland taxpayers qualified for the six month extension if they either did not owe additional state taxes or paid their obligation in full by the April 15 due date, thus having no outstanding tax liability. With less than a week left to file before the extension deadline, more than 1.5 million Maryland taxpayers have electronically filed their taxes in 2008, a more than 10 percent increase over last year.

Media Contact: Christine Feldmann (410) 260-6346