News Releases

The Comptroller's Communications Office issues news releases on a regular basis to inform the media and through them, the public about important activities happening in the agency.

Current News Releases

Franchot Releases FY 10 Closeout Numbers
Annapolis, MD (September 1, 2010) - Emphasizing the need for fiscal caution during these turbulent economic times, Comptroller Peter Franchot's office today released the final closeout numbers for Fiscal Year 2010. General fund revenues totaled nearly $12.6 billion in the fiscal year, which was $183.7 million above the official state forecast. Reflecting the ongoing impact of the national recession, the state's baseline revenue collections declined by 3.7%, the third worst performance in more than 40 years.

Shop Maryland Tax-Free Week Kicks Off Today!
Annapolis, MD. (August 8, 2010) – Just in time for back-to-school shopping, Comptroller Peter Franchot today kicked off Shop Maryland, the state’s tax-free week. Starting today and running through next Saturday, Marylanders who purchase clothing and shoes costing $100 or less will be spared the states 6 percent sales tax.

Franchot Sends Unexpected Checks to Thousands of Marylanders
Annapolis, MD (July 16, 2010) - As Maryland takes steps to recover from this historic economic recession, Comptroller Peter Franchot today provided a boost for thousands of taxpayers in announcing 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 2008 tax returns. In total, the Comptroller's Office sent out 2,397 checks totaling $1,098,231.

Comptroller Recognized for Efforts in Financial Literacy
Annapolis, Md. (June 24, 2010) - Noting Comptroller Peter Franchot's outstanding commitment and contributions to financial literacy in Maryland's public schools, the Maryland Coalition for Financial Literacy and Maryland Council on Economic Education presented him with a certificate of appreciation Wednesday. The award was given at a financial education summit for 200 teachers sponsored by the two groups.

Comptroller Wraps Up Statewide Listening Tour
Annapolis, Md. (June 23, 2010) – Comptroller Peter Franchot concluded his statewide economic listening tour Tuesday in Carroll County after making stops in all 23 counties and Baltimore City to hear directly from business leaders, government officials and private citizens about current economic conditions.

Dozens Discover Unclaimed Money at African American Heritage Festival
Annapolis, Md. (June 22, 2010) - Nearly 30 people found more than $12,000 in unclaimed funds at Comptroller Peter Franchot's booth at this years African American Heritage Festival. Comptroller employees participated in the festival this year as part of a statewide initiative to help reunite Marylanders with money they are owed.

Comptroller Franchot To Get Real-time Fiscal Conditions in Statewide Listening Tour
ANNAPOLIS, Md. (May 6, 2010) -Comptroller Peter Franchot will launch a statewide economic listening tour Tuesday with stops in all 23 counties and Baltimore City designed to hear directly from business leaders, government officials and private citizens about economic conditions.

Cha-Ching! $42 Million Up for Grabs in 2010 Unclaimed Property Supplement
ANNAPOLIS, Md. (April 26, 2010) Comptroller Peter Franchot today announced that his office will issue a 144-page advertising supplement over the next three weeks to find 60,000 recently-identified owners of more than $42 million in unclaimed funds. The supplement will appear in 30 newspapers throughout the state, beginning tomorrow and running through Wednesday, May 12.

Franchot Applauds General Assembly for Support and Hard Work
ANNAPOLIS, MD (April 13, 2010) - Citing the passage of historic legislation that will help foster growth in the state's burgeoning wine industry, new regulations to aid in the enforcement of tobacco tax laws, legislation to protect consumers from predatory refund anticipation loans and an innovative law to help crack down on delinquent child support payments, Comptroller Peter Franchot today thanked the members of the Maryland General Assembly for their support during the 2010 legislative session. He also expressed particular appreciation for the General Assembly's commitment to provide his agency with the resources and budget it needs to continue to be a national leader when it comes to tax collection and providing efficient and effective services to the taxpayers of Maryland.

Tax Filing Deadline Nearly One Week Away, Free Tax Help at Local Branch Offices This Saturday
Annapolis, MD (April 7, 2010) - Comptroller Peter Franchot announced today that all his 12 local branch offices will be open this Saturday, April 10, from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. to provide FREE income tax return assistance and preparation.

Franchot Holds Online Chat for Taxpayers Marylanders from across the state get tax questions answered
ANNAPOLIS, Md. (April 1, 2010) - Today, Comptroller Peter Franchot held his second annual tax filing season online chat with Maryland taxpayers. From his computer in Annapolis, the Comptroller took questions from taxpayers in all regions of the state and was able to answer their tax questions as the clock ticks down on this year's filing season.

Comptroller Warning: Scam Artist Faking State Checks to Lure Victims
ANNAPOLIS, Md. (April 9, 2010) - Maryland Comptroller Peter Franchot has issued a warning to Marylanders of scams involving fraudulent checks that appear to be issued by the State of Maryland.

One-Millionth E-file Mark Reached Early Again
ANNAPOLIS, MD (March 22, 2010) - With the tax filing deadline less than one month away, Comptroller Peter Franchot today announced that his office has already received more than one million returns electronically. The one-millionth electronic return, submitted by a Largo man who e-filed and requested direct deposit for the refund, occurred one day ahead of last year's milestone. "I've been e-filing for more than 10 years now and my clients are always pleased with how fast they get their refunds," said Cynthia Singleton of Singleton and Associates in Camp Springs, Maryland, who prepared the one-millionth e-filed return.

Comptroller Names Top 50 Tax Scofflaws
ANNAPOLIS, Md. (March 18, 2010) - Comptroller Peter Franchot today announced the names of 25 businesses and 25 individuals owing more than $7.9 million in unpaid taxes, penalties and interest. His "Caught in the Web" program lists the names of these scofflaws on the agency's Web site, www.marylandtaxes.com.

Comptroller Joins Students, Parents, Educators in Push for Financial Literacy Grad Requirement
ANNAPOLIS, Md. (February 24, 2010) - Comptroller Peter Franchot joined an unparalleled coalition of supporters today calling for passage of legislation mandating a financial literacy graduation requirement for all Maryland students. Students, parents, educators and business leaders rallied for better financial education.

Franchot Informs New Homeowners to iFile Their State Tax Return
ANNAPOLIS, MD (February 17, 2010) - As Maryland taxpayers prepare their tax returns, Comptroller Peter Franchot today informed recent new homebuyers that although the Internal Revenue Service (IRS) is requiring those claiming the $8,000 tax credit to file a paper return, the Maryland Comptroller's Office will still accept electronically-filed returns via the agency's free online filing service, iFile.

Comptroller Franchot Reopens Waldorf Branch Office
Annapolis, Md. (Feb. 22, 2010) - Comptroller Peter Franchot today celebrated the grand re-opening of his agency's field office in Waldorf. The office, which was relocated from another shopping area nearby, will reach more Marylanders with free income tax assistance.

Comptroller Sensation Sweeps Internet
ANNAPOLIS, Md. (February 4, 2010) - Move over dancing babies. Comptroller Peter Franchot's YouTube videos are becoming the latest Internet sensation. The latest humorous YouTube video unveiled today is aimed at encouraging Marylanders to use reputable tax preparers.

Comptroller's Agents Uncover Underground Tobacco Smuggling Operation
Annapolis, MD (January 25, 2010) - Emphasizing his commitment to protecting Maryland businesses and consumers, Comptroller Peter Franchot today announced the recent confiscation of more than 130,000 sticks of untaxed Other Tobacco Products (OTP), and more than 2,600 illegal cigarettes worth nearly $140,000. Comptroller's enforcement agents discovered the contraband as part of an underground tobacco smuggling operation involving an Anne Arundel County man and 54 Baltimore City businesses.

Comptroller Franchot Says Marylanders Eligible For New IRS Tax Relief On Haitian Donations
ANNAPOLIS, Md. (January 27, 2010) - Comptroller Peter Franchot today announced that Marylanders can take advantage of new federal legislation, recently signed into law by President Obama, allowing taxpayers who give to Haitian relief efforts this year to claim the donation on their 2009 tax return.

Comptroller Franchot Unveils Taxpayer Bill of Rights, Consumer Guide
ANNAPOLIS, Md. (January 14, 2010) -Comptroller Peter Franchot today released the Maryland Taxpayer's Bill of Rights and Consumer Guide, a publication designed to help Marylanders navigate the taxpaying process. The Comptroller unveiled the guide at his Baltimore office along with City Comptroller Joan Pratt and at a separate event at the Bethesda-Chevy Chase Regional Services Center with Montgomery County Executive Isiah Leggett and consumer protection officials.

Comptroller Franchot Turning over Every Rock to Find State Savings
ANNAPOLIS, MD (January 6, 2010) - Comptroller Peter Franchot is asking vendors who receive more than $50,000 or at least six checks from Maryland in a year to sign up for electronic payments in an effort to save state funds. He recently contacted nearly 300 businesses to encourage them to sign up for the state's direct payments program.

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