On January 26, 2026, Maryland’s Comptroller, Brooke E. Lierman, officially launched the tax return filing season for the 2026 tax period, which pertains to returns for the year 2025. The Office of the Comptroller is set to initiate the processing of personal income tax returns in a phased approach, beginning the week of January 26 and increasing activity on February 2, when the issuance of refunds is anticipated to start.
“Our team is well-prepared to accept and handle personal income tax returns from Maryland taxpayers. In these early weeks of the tax season, we will diligently test and refine our fraud detection models and other systems to ensure that the processing is completed as efficiently and accurately as possible, allowing Maryland residents to receive their refunds promptly,” stated Lierman.
Filing taxes electronically continues to be the most efficient and secure option for Maryland taxpayers. Last tax season, electronic submissions were processed in an average of less than three days, while paper returns took about 16.9 days. Chief Deputy Comptroller Andy Schaufele strongly encouraged taxpayers to choose the electronic route. “I urge Marylanders to electronically file their tax returns as it is the fastest, safest, and most convenient method available,” Schaufele stated. “By doing so, you will not only minimize delays in processing and receiving refunds but also ensure the protection of your personal and financial information, which is often at risk with paper filings.”
The Comptroller’s office provides a complimentary i-File system for personal income tax submissions, as well as commercial tax services. During the previous 2025 tax season, the office successfully processed nearly three million returns and distributed around $3 billion in refunds to more than two million taxpayers. Delays in processing can often be attributed to incomplete information, mistakes, fraud verifications, or the use of paper submissions.
For assistance, taxpayers can utilize the MyCOMConnect portal at www.MarylandComptroller.gov/help. There is also a toll-free helpline available at 1-800-MDTAXES (1-800-638-2937), which will operate from 8:30 a.m. to 6 p.m. from February 2 to April 15, 2026. Additionally, walk-in services or scheduled virtual appointments are available at eleven branch offices statewide as mentioned on the Maryland Comptroller’s website. While offices were closed on January 26 due to inclement weather, call centers and virtual appointments continued to function. A new office in Baltimore County, along with one in Bel Air, is also set to open in February to enhance access.
The agency is actively promoting the Earned Income Tax Credit (EITC) and the Child Tax Credit through its “Earned It” Campaign, a joint initiative with the Moore-Miller administration. This effort is focused on reaching state employees, non-filers, and those who may have previously missed out on claiming these credits through targeted mailings and outreach activities at community centers, food banks, libraries, as well as through various media platforms including radio, television, and social media.
“The Earned Income and Child Tax Credits are among the most effective tools available to support Maryland families and help them flourish,” Lierman remarked. “This campaign is crucial as it equips Maryland residents with the knowledge they need to lower their tax liabilities and retain more of their hard-earned money.”
The EITC can provide refunds of up to $4,000 for low-income workers, based on their income and family size, without influencing eligibility for other benefits such as SNAP. Those eligible include ITIN filers and certain childless adults aged 18-24. Additionally, the Child Tax Credit allows low-income households to claim $500 per child. Filers are encouraged to make use of the EITC screener tool available on the Comptroller’s website.
