FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Comptroller Franchot Further Extends Tax Filing Deadline, "Hurricane Ike" Disaster Area

Annapolis, MD (September 19, 2008) - Comptroller Peter Franchot today extended the tax filing and payment deadline to January 5, 2009, for individuals and businesses in the Gulf Coast affected by "Hurricane Ike."

"This is a difficult time for individuals and businesses located in the Gulf Coast," said Comptroller Franchot. "Therefore, my office is more than willing to allow this extension for corporations that conduct business in Maryland but are unable to file due to this natural disaster."

Taxpayers who may temporarily reside or have businesses in the disaster area qualify for the extension. Tax return filing and payment deadlines due on or after September 15, 2008, and before January 5, 2009, are eligible for the postponement including individual estimated tax returns and corporate tax returns that were due September 15, and extended individual returns due October 15.

Paper returns should be marked "Hurricane Ike," while electronically filed returns can be indicated by entering action code "911" to avoid incurring late filing penalties.

The postponement will only be extended to individuals and businesses located in the Texas counties and Louisiana parishes that the federal government declared to be "Presidential Disaster Areas," which qualify for individual assistance.

In Texas, the counties affected included Angelina, Austin, Brazoria, Chambers, Cherokee, Fort Bend, Galveston, Grimes, Hardin, Harris, Houston, Jasper, Jefferson, Liberty, Madison, Matagorda, Montgomery, Nacogdoches, Newton, Orange, Polk, Sabine, San Augustine, San Jacinto, Trinity, Tyler, Walker, Waller and Washington.

The Louisiana parishes affected included Acadia, Beauregard, Calcasieu, Cameron, Iberia, Jefferson, Jefferson Davis, Lafourche, Plaquemines, Sabine, St. Mary, Terrebonne, Vermilion and Vernon.

Taxpayers can download state tax forms and find helpful information by visiting the Comptroller's Web site, www.marylandtaxes.com or by calling 1-800-MD-TAXES for free state tax help Monday through Friday, from 8 a.m. until 5 p.m.

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Contact: Caron Brace, (410) 260-7438 (office), (410) 212-9414 (cell)