2009 Archived Media Releases

Comptroller Franchot Unveils Important Tax Information for Military Spouses
Annapolis, Md. (November 24, 2009) - Comptroller Peter Franchot today announced important information for military spouses in response to recently passed federal legislation. Under the Military Spouses Residency Relief Act, signed into law on Veteran's Day by President Obama, the spouse of a service member may be exempt from Maryland income tax in certain circumstances.

Comptroller's Office releases statistics on high-income taxpayers
ANNAPOLIS, MD (November 24, 2009)- In response to questions raised at a legislative briefing, the Comptroller's Office provided information about the filing patterns of high-income taxpayers.

Senator Mikulski, Governor O'malley, Comptroller Franchot Announce New Efforts To Put $800,000 In The Federal Checkbook For Maryland 2-1-1
WASHINGTON, D.C. -U.S. Senator Barbara A. Mikulski, Governor Martin O'Malley, Comptroller Peter Franchot and Larry E. Walton, President and Chief Professional Officer of the United Way of Central Maryland, today announced new federal funding efforts to support the work of Maryland 2-1-1, a 24-hour health and human services information and referral service hotline for Marylanders.

Comptroller Franchot Announces Filing Extension for Businesses Impacted by Dundalk Flood
ANNAPOLIS, MD (September 30, 2009) - Comptroller Peter Franchot today extended the October 15, 2009, filing due date for Maryland taxpayers with business or financial records in the Dundalk area. Eligible taxpayers now have until November 15 to pay withholding tax and until November 20 to pay sales and use tax for those returns that were due the 15th and 20th of October.

Comptroller Reminds Taxpayers:Tax “Do Over” Deadline, One Month Away
ANNAPOLIS, Md. (September 30, 2009) - Maryland Comptroller Peter Franchot reminded taxpayers today that the deadline for the state’s tax amnesty is approaching and ends October 30. Tax amnesty gives delinquent taxpayers one final opportunity to pay their Maryland tax liability with only one half of the interest owed and no fear of criminal prosecution.

Worcester Co. Police Tip Leads Comptroller Agents to Seize More Than 3,500 Illegal Cigs on US-13
Annapolis, Md. (September 30, 2009) - After receiving a tip from a Worcester County Sherriff’s Office corporal, agents for Comptroller Peter Franchot confiscated more than 3,500 packs of contraband cigarettes and arrested one man yesterday along US-13 in Pocomoke City. Corporal Nate Passwaters of the Worcester County Sherriff’s Office observed the driver of the vehicle purchase a large amount of cigarettes from a Virginia store and notified the Comptroller’s field enforcement agents about possible illegal activity.

Prince George's County Residents See Green at Annual Fair
ANNAPOLIS, Md. (September 22, 2009) - Nearly 300 people found $21,408 in unclaimed funds at Comptroller Peter Franchot's booth at the Prince George's County fair. Comptroller employees were at the fair this year as part of a statewide initiative to help reunite Marylanders with money they are owed.

Fairgoers Find More Than Funnel Cake and Cows at This Years State Fair
ANNAPOLIS, Md. (September 9, 2009) - More than 500 people found over $350,000 in unclaimed funds at Comptroller Peter Franchot's booth at the Maryland State Fair. Comptroller employees were at the fair this year as part of a statewide initiative to help reunite Marylanders with money they are owed.

More Than $150,000 Found at Montgomery County Fair
Annapolis, MD (September 2, 2009) - Staff of Maryland Comptroller Peter Franchot's unclaimed property unit visited the Montgomery County Fair, reuniting 137 people with more than $156,000 in unclaimed funds. One lucky festival attendee found $17,000.

Comptroller Offers "Tax Do Over" to Marylanders Who Owe Back Taxes
ANNAPOLIS, MD (August 31,2009) - Maryland Comptroller Peter Franchot today announced that a two-month tax amnesty beginning September 1, gives delinquent taxpayers one last opportunity to come clean by paying their tax liability and one half of the interest owed without fear of criminal prosecution. Previously assessed fraud penalties will not be waived.

Big Money Found at Allegany County Fair
Annapolis, MD (August 3, 2009) - Staff of Maryland Comptroller Peter Franchot's unclaimed property unit visited this weekend's Allegany County Fair, reuniting five people with more than $21,000 in unclaimed funds. One lucky festival attendee found nearly $10,000.

Franchot Holds Economic Online Chat
ANNAPOLIS, MD (July 16, 2009) - Renewing his commitment to making government more accessible, Comptroller Peter Franchot today held his second online chat with Marylanders from across the state. Today's chat focused on the economy and the most recent revenue figures for the state that were released earlier in the morning.

Comptroller Franchot Launches New Web Site
ANNAPOLIS, Md. (July 13, 2009) - Comptroller Peter Franchot today unveiled his agency's new Web site at www.marylandtaxes.com. The improved site showcases a number of new features including a fiscal transparency section called "Maryland Money," which highlights where taxpayer dollars are spent.

Comptroller Franchot New YouTube Ad Asks, “Who’s Watching Your Lost Money?”
ANNAPOLIS, Md.(July 9, 2009) – Comptroller Peter Franchot today unveiled his agency’s latest YouTube video promoting the agency’s unclaimed property program. A parody of the GEICO insurance ads featuring money that shows up when people least expect it, the video features Senator John Astle and the official Annapolis Town Crier, Squire Frederick. The video was debuted to a group of residents at Charlestown Retirement Community in Catonsville.

Comptroller Franchot Releases FY 09 Figures for Alcohol, Cigarette and Fuel Violations.
Annapolis, MD (July 8, 2009) - Known for his commitment to vigilantly enforcing Maryland tax laws, Comptroller Peter Franchot today announced the final figures of alcohol, cigarette and motor fuel violations for fiscal year 2009. Making the announcement in one of the agency's evidence holding facilities for contraband products, Franchot praised the work of his agents and local law enforcement officials in working together to protect law-abiding businesses from underground operations and tax cheats.

More Than a Dozen People Find Money at African American Heritage Festival
Annapolis, MD (July 7, 2009) - Staff of Maryland Comptroller Peter Franchot's unclaimed property unit visited this weekend's African American Heritage Festival, reuniting 15 people with more than $4,000 in unclaimed funds. One lucky festival attendee found $1,003.

Comptroller Franchot Receives Prestigious Honor in Financial Reporting

ANNAPOLIS, MD (July 7, 2009) - A North-American government finance organization recently awarded Comptroller Peter Franchot with the Certificate of Achievement for Excellence in Financial Reporting. The Government Finance Officers Association of the United States and Canada (GFOA), honored Comptroller Franchot for Maryland's fiscal year 2008 Comprehensive Annual Financial Report (CAFR). Received for the last 30 years, the award is the highest form of recognition in the area of governmental accounting and financial reporting.

Comptroller Franchot Hosts Tour of Agency’s Motor Fuel Testing Laboratory

Annapolis, Md. (June 24, 2009) - With the peak of summer travel season approaching and gas prices steadily on the rise, Comptroller Peter Franchot lead a tour of the Motor Fuel Testing Laboratory in Jessup today and participated in a live analysis of gasoline samples to highlight the agency’s efforts to protect consumers at the pump. The samples used in the analysis were gathered earlier today at a station near the lab. As Comptroller, Franchot is the state’s chief regulator of all petroleum products.

Comptroller’s Agents, Prince George’s County Police Seize Nearly 400 Cases of Bootleg Beer

Annapolis, MD (June 18, 2009) - Emphasizing his commitment to protecting Maryland businesses and consumers, Comptroller Peter Franchot today joined with the Prince George’s County Police Department to announce the recent confiscation of approximately 400 cases of beer worth nearly $10,000 from two Prince George’s County businesses.

Comptroller Franchot Announces Agency's New Accounting Chief: Former Westminster Treasurer To Lead Agency’s Oldest Division

ANNAPOLIS, Md. (June 15, 2009) - Comptroller Peter Franchot today announced the appointment of Roland L. Unger, 59, of Hunt Valley, Md., as the head of the agency's general accounting division. Most recently the treasurer and director of finance for the city of Westminster, Unger will lead the state’s accounting activities and corporate purchasing card program in addition to producing Maryland’s annual financial report and ensuring 20,000 vendor payments. Unger is replacing John Kenney, a 34-year veteran of the department. Accounting functions were the first tasks of the Comptroller’s Office when it was created in 1851.

Comptroller Franchot Announces Agency's New Accounting Chief: Former Westminster Treasurer To Lead Agency’s Oldest Division

ANNAPOLIS, Md. (June 15, 2009) - Comptroller Peter Franchot today announced the appointment of Roland L. Unger, 59, of Hunt Valley, Md., as the head of the agency's general accounting division.

Most recently the treasurer and director of finance for the city of Westminster, Unger will lead the state’s accounting activities and corporate purchasing card program in addition to producing Maryland’s annual financial report and ensuring 20,000 vendor payments. Unger is replacing John Kenney, a 34-year veteran of the department. Accounting functions were the first tasks of the Comptroller’s Office when it was created in 1851.

Comptroller Franchot Applauds School Construction Funding Vote

Annapolis, Md. (May 6, 2009) - In keeping with his commitment to strengthening Maryland's best-in-the-nation public school system, Comptroller Peter Franchot joined Governor Martin O'Malley and Treasurer Nancy Kopp as the Board of Public Works unanimously voted to approve the recommendations by the Interagency Committee for School Construction (IAC) for the final $65 million in previously unallocated school construction funding for Fiscal Year 2010. Leading up to today's vote, the Comptroller visited over a dozen schools across the state. The visits to schools, ranked as high priorities by the local jurisdictions, allowed the Comptroller to hear directly from the county school officials, teachers, students and parents as to the desperate need for funding.

Long-Time Tax Scofflaw Sentenced Up to 10 Years

ANNAPOLIS, MD (April 29, 2009) - Comptroller Peter Franchot today announced that one of Maryland’s worst tax scofflaws, Lloyd Binion, was sentenced today up to 10 years in state prison after pleading guilty in February to two counts of failure to pay nearly $400,000 in sales and use and withholding taxes to the state. Binion received the maximum 5 year sentence with each count, which could be suspended after 18 months in jail. The guilty pleas were a result of a four-year-long investigation by Comptroller auditors into Binion’s restaurant business, which led to a 13-count indictment by the Harford County State’s Attorney Office. Mr. Binion is required to report to the State Department of Corrections on July 23.

Franchot’s Agents Arrest NY Man, Seize Cigs on U.S. 13

Annapolis, Md. (April 27, 2009) - Comptroller Peter Franchot’s Field Enforcement agents confiscated nearly 1,500 packs of contraband cigarettes and arrested one man Saturday morning along U.S. 13 in Princess Anne, Somerset County.

Comptroller Franchot Names Top 50 Tax Scofflaws

Annapolis, MD (April 14, 2009) - Emphasizing the importance of collecting every last penny lawfully owed to the State in these challenging economic times, Comptroller Peter Franchot today announced the names of 25 businesses and 25 individuals owing nearly $6 million in unpaid taxes, penalties and interest through the agency's "Caught in the Web" program. The Comptroller made the announcement at schools in Silver Spring and Baltimore to highlight the impact that uncollected revenue can have on improving the quality of life in local communities across Maryland.

Franchot Applauds General Assembly for Passing Electronic Filing Bill

ANNAPOLIS, MD (April 14, 2009) - Citing the passage of his top legislative priority along with several other important departmental bills, Comptroller Peter Franchot today thanked the members of the Maryland General Assembly for their support during the 2009 legislative session. He expressed particular appreciation for the passage of legislation that will soon require professional tax prepares to file electronically, which will result in millions of dollars of savings for the state, accurate and secure tax returns, and expedited refunds for Maryland taxpayers.

Comptroller Franchot: "Eliminate Business Tax Liabilities with a Mouse Click

Annapolis, MD (March 30, 2009) - Maryland Comptroller Peter Franchot announced today that businesses can now eliminate tax liabilities through the click of a mouse by using Bill Pay for Business, the newest online innovation designed to streamline the tax payment process.

No Foolin’: Comptroller Franchot Launches New Humorous YouTube Spot

ANNAPOLIS, MD (April 1, 2009) - Today, Comptroller Peter Franchot announced that his agency was launching another YouTube advertisement aimed at encouraging Marylanders to file their taxes electronically. As a result of its outreach, the agency has downloaded over 1.1 million electronically filed returns thus far this tax season - an increase of nearly 10 percent above this time last year

Comptroller Agents Seize Contraband Cigs on I-95

Annapolis, Md. (March 30, 2009) - Agents for Comptroller Peter Franchot confiscated nearly 2,000 packs of contraband cigarettes and arrested one man Saturday morning along Interstate 95 north in Baltimore County.

Comptroller Franchot Unveils Help for Madoff Scandal Victims

Annapolis, MD (March 25, 2009) - Today, Comptroller Peter Franchot announced his support of legislation, sponsored by Senator Richard S. Madaleno, that would allow state taxpayers victimized by the Bernard Madoff investment fraud scandal to reflect their losses through amended state income tax returns dating back five years. According to court documents, there are 139 victims with Maryland addresses.

Franchot Addresses Nation's Comptrollers

Annapolis, MD (March 25, 2009) - Stressing the increased importance of efficient tax compliance and increased transparency in government, Comptroller Peter Franchot today delivered the keynote address at the opening session of the National Association of State Comptroller's (NASC) 2009 Annual Meeting. Comptroller Franchot's address to his colleagues emphasized Maryland's longstanding reputation for strong fiscal management and his Office's national leadership in the areas of innovative tax collection and compliance.

Receive Tax Help at Local Branch Offices, Saturday

Annapolis, MD (March 17, 2009) - Comptroller Peter Franchot announced today that six local branch offices will be open this Saturday, March 21, from 9 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. to provide FREE income tax return assistance and preparation.

Franchot Agents Arrest Salisbury Man, 3rd Time

Annapolis, Md. (March 16, 2009) - Field enforcement agents for Comptroller Peter Franchot confiscated more than 5,000 packs of contraband cigarettes and arrested a Salisbury man Saturday night along U.S. 13 North in Somerset County. The incident marks the defendant’s third arrest in Maryland concerning contraband cigarettes.

Comptroller Franchot, Treasurer Kopp Unveil New Feature to Save for College

Annapolis, MD (March 11, 2009) - Today, Comptroller Peter Franchot joined Treasurer Nancy Kopp, Joan Marshall of the College Savings Plans of Maryland and Patrick Moran of Maryland AFSCME to announce that state employees now have the option to save for their children's college education in these tough economic times by having contributions automatically deducted from their paychecks.

Tax Deadline Less Than 45 Days Away

Annapolis, MD (March 4, 2009) - With the tax filing deadline less than 45 days away, Comptroller Peter Franchot today announced that his office has already received more than 800,000 returns electronically, up nearly 10 percent from last year. Additionally, he alerted taxpayers to pay attention to common errors that may delay the processing of a return and dissemination of their refund.

Franchot Brings Long-Time Tax Scofflaw to Justice

ANNAPOLIS, MD (February 27, 2009) - Emphasizing his commitment to create a level playing field for law-abiding individuals and businesses, Comptroller Peter Franchot today announced that one of Maryland’s worst tax scofflaws, Lloyd Binion, has pleaded guilty to two counts of failure to pay nearly $400,000 in sales and use and withholding taxes to the state. The plea was a result of a four-year-long investigation by Comptroller auditors into Binion’s restaurant business, which led to a 13-count indictment by the Harford County State’s Attorney Office.

Comptroller Agents Bust Cig Smuggler on I-95

Annapolis, Md. (February 23, 2009) - Agents for Comptroller Peter Franchot confiscated nearly 1,500 packs of contraband cigarettes and arrested one man Saturday morning along Interstate 95 north in Forestville after observing a large quantity of cigarettes in the vehicle.

Comptroller Agents Arrest NY Man for Second Time

Annapolis, Md. (February 12, 2009) - After receiving a tip from a Maryland State Trooper, agents for Comptroller Peter Franchot confiscated nearly 4,000 packs of contraband cigarettes and arrested a New York man for the second time last night along Interstate 95 north in Cecil County. Trooper Jeremy Gussoni, assigned to the Pro-Active Criminal Enforcement (PACE) unit of the Maryland State Police, observed a large quantity of cigarettes in the vehicle during a traffic stop and notified the Comptroller’s Field Enforcement Division.

Quirky E-File Campaign Sees Early Pay Offs

Annapolis, MD (February 17, 2009) - On the heels of the much talked about YouTube ad aimed at encouraging Marylanders to file their taxes electronically, Comptroller Peter Franchot today announced that his office has already received more than a half a million returns electronically.

Quirky E-File Campaign Sees Early Pay Offs
Annapolis, MD (February 17, 2009) - On the heels of the much talked about YouTube ad aimed at encouraging Marylanders to file their taxes electronically, Comptroller Peter Franchot today announced that his office has already received more than a half a million returns electronically.

Comptroller Franchot Launches Humorous E-File Campaign on YouTube
ANNAPOLIS, MD (February 5, 2009) – Comptroller Peter Franchot kicked off a marketing campaign today aimed at encouraging Marylanders to file their taxes electronically. The initiative was launched with a YouTube video and will follow with advertising in local newspapers, displays in government buildings and other materials.

MD Resident Arrested for Smuggling Untaxed Cigs
Annapolis, Md. (February 9, 2009) - Agents for Comptroller Peter Franchot confiscated more than 1,300 contraband cigarettes and arrested one man during a Friday morning bust on Route 214 in Prince George’s County. ANNAPOLIS, MD (February 5, 2009) – Comptroller Peter Franchot kicked off a marketing campaign today aimed at encouraging Marylanders to file their taxes electronically. The initiative was launched with a YouTube video and will follow with advertising in local newspapers, displays in government buildings and other materials.

Comptroller's New Compliance Initiative Brings in Millions in First Month
ANNAPOLIS, MD (February 4, 2009) - Reinforcing his commitment to expand and enhance tax compliance efforts, Comptroller Peter Franchot today announced that his Modernized Integrated Tax System (MITS), in just its initial stages, has already brought in over $3 million in delinquent taxes over the past month. The centerpiece of the Comptroller's efforts to modernize his Agency's resources, MITS is a state-of-the-art data warehousing and tax collection system that will recapture nearly $200 million in revenue as it is phased in over the next four years and then bring in $80-$100 million per year in perpetuity.

Franchot Urges Taxpayers to E-File
Annapolis, MD (January 27, 2009) - Among stacks of tax returns to be opened and few workers to complete the task, Comptroller Peter Franchot today urged all Marylanders to file electronically this year to ensure they get their refunds within days as opposed to weeks. During these tight fiscal times, the Comptroller’s Office has instituted some cost savings measures that include a cutback on the number of temporary employees hired to help during tax season. These cuts will not impact the efficiency of the agency, but will slow down the processing time for paper returns saving the state approximately $450,000 this tax season.

Comptroller Franchot announces Earned Income Tax credit checks mailings and urges Marylanders to file electronically this year Read the release.
Annapolis, MD (January 21, 2009) - In a storm of cloudy and troubling national economic news, Comptroller Peter Franchot today provided a ray of sunshine for thousands of taxpayers when he announced that his office recently mailed refund checks to taxpayers who qualified for the state's Earned Income Tax Credit (EITC) but did not claim it on their 2007 tax returns. In total, the Comptroller's Office sent out 2,339 checks totaling $572,746. The Comptroller also urged all Marylanders to file electronically this year to help the state save money, to ensure speedy refunds and to delay payments for taxpayers who owe money.

Comptroller Franchot Recognizes Maryland's Top E-Filers of 2008
Annapolis, MD (January 14, 2009) - In an effort to acknowledge Maryland tax preparers who file their clients' income tax returns electronically, Comptroller Peter Franchot today recognized one tax preparer from each county and Baltimore City, who recently implemented the E-File system when filing tax returns. The awardees were selected for having the highest percentage of increase of returns over last year. More than 1.5 million tax returns were filed electronically in 2008, of which 982,358 were filed by commercial tax preparers. Overall, there was a 10.5% increase in electronic filing compared to last year.

Comptroller's Office Mails 1099G Forms to Taxpayers
Annapolis, MD (January 12, 2009) - Comptroller Peter Franchot announced today that his office began mailing 1099G forms to Maryland taxpayers who itemized deductions on their federal income tax return last year and received a refund from the state.

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