Maryland Comptroller Brooke E. Lierman announced January 26, 2026, in Annapolis the start of the state’s 2026 tax return filing season for tax year 2025 returns. The Office of the Comptroller will begin processing personal income tax returns with a controlled rollout, starting the week of January 26 and ramping up February 2, when refund issuance is expected to begin.
“Our team is ready to receive and process personal income tax returns for Maryland taxpayers. In the first weeks of the tax season, as always, we will test and update our fraud detection models and other systems to ensure processing can happen as quickly and accurately as possible, and that Marylanders receive their refunds,” Lierman said.
Electronic filing remains the preferred method for speed and security. Last season, electronic returns processed in under 3 days on average, compared to 16.9 days for paper returns. Chief Deputy Comptroller Andy Schaufele urged filers to go digital. “I encourage Marylanders to file their tax returns electronically because it is the quickest, most secure, and most convenient option,” Schaufele said. “Not only will you avoid delays in processing or receiving refunds, but filing electronically also protects your personal and financial information in ways that paper filing cannot.”
The agency offers a free i-File system for personal income tax filing, alongside commercial tax services. During the 2025 season, the office processed about 3 million returns and issued roughly $3 billion in refunds to more than 2 million taxpayers. Delays often stem from incomplete information, errors, fraud reviews, or paper submissions.
Support options include the MyCOMConnect portal at www.MarylandComptroller.gov/help for online assistance. Taxpayers can call 1-800-MDTAXES (1-800-638-2937) toll-free from 8:30 a.m. to 6 p.m. February 2 through April 15, 2026. Eleven branch offices statewide accept walk-ins or scheduled virtual appointments at marylandcomptroller.gov; offices closed January 26 due to weather but call centers and virtual appointments continued. A new Baltimore County location and a Bel Air office opening in February expand access.
The agency continues promoting the Earned Income Tax Credit (EITC) and Child Tax Credit through the “Earned It” Campaign, a partnership with the Moore-Miller administration. Efforts target state employees, non-filers, and prior missers via targeted mailings, plus outreach at community centers, food banks, libraries, and paid media on radio, television, and social media.
“The Earned Income and Child Tax Credits are two of the most effective tools we have to support Maryland families and help them to thrive,” Lierman said. “This campaign is important because it empowers Marylanders with information they need to reduce what they owe to the government and keep more of what they have earned.”
The EITC provides refunds up to $4,000 for low-income workers, based on income and family size, without affecting other benefits like SNAP. Eligibility includes ITIN filers and childless adults 18-24 in some cases. The Child Tax Credit offers $500 per child for low-income families. Filers should use the EITC screener tool at the Comptroller’s site.