From the Desk of the Comptroller

As you know, Maryland is facing a $1.1 billion shortfall in FY 2009-2010 and saving money is critical to weathering the fiscal storm and maintaining essential services. This agency, along with the Governor and General Assembly, is doing its part to try and cut costs.,

The Comptroller's Office has streamlined operations and made cuts where possible. One cutback may impact you and your clients this tax season. This year for paper return processing, we were only able to hire half the number of temporary employees for a significantly shorter period of time.

That means the typical two week turn around time for processing a paper return will likely be doubled to 3-4 weeks. While we are doing all we can to expeditiously process all returns, including using permanent employees to open mail and in various areas of processing, taxpayers who file by paper may have to wait up to a month for a refund check.

To save taxpayers and preparers time this year, we are encouraging everyone to e-file. Besides being easy, fast and safe, e-filing saves the state significant monies in processing costs. In fact, each paper return costs nearly $2 to process compared to only 38 cents for an electronically-filed return. Since the early 1990's, the state has saved more than $14 million in processing costs.

E-filing offers many time-saving benefits to users. Taxpayers who electronically file a return and choose direct deposit can expect a refund in as little as 72 hours once we've received the return. E-filers who owe and choose direct debit can get an additional two weeks to pay their debt.

As April 15 approaches, I encourage you to do your part in helping the state's economic recovery by e-filing. Every penny saved will help. I promise to continue in my efforts to partner with the Governor, General Assembly and the public to get our great state back on the road to prosperity. I am confident that this journey will not be long if we all pull together and work toward this common goal--- restoring the economy of Maryland.

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About Peter Franchot

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