Annapolis, MD (January 17, 2008) - In an effort to acknowledge Maryland tax preparers who file their clients' income tax returns electronically, Comptroller Peter Franchot today honored 24 tax preparation services that recently implemented the use of e-File for their clients. One tax preparer from each county and Baltimore City, who recently implemented the E-File system when filing tax returns, was selected to receive this award as a result of filing the highest volume of electronic returns for tax year 2006. A total number of 1,383,289 tax returns were filed electronically for tax year 2006, of which 887,827 of them were filed by commercial tax preparers. Overall, there was a 9.71% increase from 2005 to 2006 in electronic filing.

"I am delighted to have the opportunity to award local tax preparers for using the instruments that my office has put into place in an effort to make their jobs more convenient and efficient," said Comptroller Franchot. "I encourage all tax preparers to utilize the e-file system. It allows taxpayers to conveniently file their taxes using a safe and fast method; while, simultaneously speeding up the process for receiving tax refunds."

Visit www.marylandtaxes.com to file electronically, receive refund information, locate forms and publications, as well as answers to frequently asked questions. Additionally, taxpayers can also e-mail questions regarding their state taxes to taxhelp@comp.state.md.us or contact a representative at (410) 260-7980 or 1-800-MD-TAXES.

Beginning January 22, the Comptroller of Maryland's Taxpayer Services department will extend telephone assistance hours. Taxpayers can contact the office with questions Monday through Friday between 8 a.m. and 8 p.m. These hours will continue through April 18.

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

Editor's Note: List of awardees attached
Certificates were presented to the following commercial tax preparation services who prepared the highest number of new electronic returns in their county and Baltimore City. Please note that Caroline, Dorchester, St. Mary's, and Worcester counties did not have any new electronic preparers. Therefore, the awardees were determined based on the highest percentage of increase in electronic filing in relation to tax year 2005.