ANNAPOLIS, MD (Jan. 13, 2006)-Comptroller William Donald Schaefer today turned on his iFile service enabling Maryland resident and nonresident taxpayers to electronically file their 2005 state tax returns for free at www.marylandtaxes.com. "I encourage everyone to iFile their taxes this year," said Comptroller Schaefer. "It's fast. It's safe. It's free, and it's easy."

More than 100,000 taxpayers used iFile last year, an increase of 21.6 percent over 2003 returns. This tax season, the Comptroller's Office expects growth to continue and estimates a nearly 20 percent increase over last year. For e-filing as a whole in Maryland, more than 1.1 million taxpayers filed electronically last tax season, an increase of 15.1 percent over the previous year. E-filing this tax season is expected to grow by 14 percent over last year's success.

New this year, taxpayers who owe in 2006 can use the direct debit option when they iFile and pay over time up to this year's Tuesday, April 18, filing deadline. To be able to use iFile taxpayers must first have prepared their 2005 federal income tax return.

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