GREENBELT, Md. — Comptroller Brooke E. Lierman and Gov. Wes Moore unveiled the expanded Earned It Campaign on March 2, 2026, a statewide push to connect more Marylanders with the Earned Income Tax Credit, delivering up to $4,000 in refunds to working families grappling with high costs.
The announcement, made at the Comptroller’s Greenbelt office, spotlighted the program’s role in Maryland’s fight against poverty, with early data showing millions in additional claims. Backed by over a dozen state agencies and nonprofits, the initiative targets underserved groups, including immigrants who can qualify using an Individual Taxpayer Identification Number even if ineligible for the federal version.
Lierman framed the EITC as a lifeline for economic progress. “The Earned Income Tax Credit is one of the most powerful tools we have to expand opportunity and build Maryland’s middle class,” she said. “When we work together to spread the word, we ensure more working Marylanders can access the resources they have earned.”
Moore linked it to his anti-poverty agenda. “When I took office, I pledged that Maryland would have the most aggressive approach in the country to end child poverty, and the Earned It campaign is central to that mission,” he said. “We’re working together across government and meeting people where they are to make sure no Marylander leaves money they earned on the table. This is government being proactive—not passive—and working better for the people it serves.”
The credit provides critical support, covering two to three months of rent, four months of groceries, or several months of health care for many households. An Urban Institute study, partnered with the Comptroller’s office, pinpointed Prince George’s, Montgomery, and Baltimore counties, plus Baltimore City, as hotspots for unclaimed credits, often in communities long overlooked.
Last year’s launch with five agencies reached 3.2 million touchpoints, boosting claims and returning an extra $42 million. Overall, 477,000 Marylanders received $519 million in 2024 refunds. Now, with $300,000 annual funding from the General Assembly, the multi-year effort coordinates through the Governor’s Office for Children.
Partners span Maryland Departments of Disabilities, Housing and Community Development, Labor, Service and Civic Innovation, Benefits, Aging, Higher Education Commission, Human Services, Motor Vehicle Administration, Veterans and Military Families, Health, Health Benefit Exchange and State Department of Education.
Special Secretary Carmel Martin highlighted unity. “Connecting families to these tax credits is a core pillar of Maryland’s work to increase access to critical benefits and services,” she said. “Through the power of cross-agency collaboration and partnership, we are streamlining how government works to build lasting economic opportunity for every Marylander.”
2024 data revealed 72,000 potential claimants missed out, with rural areas like Southern Maryland’s Calvert, Charles, and St. Mary’s counties showing lower rates. The campaign zeros in on veterans, disabled individuals, immigrants—including undocumented workers filing via ITIN—homeless people, and seniors, using tailored strategies to overcome barriers.
Since January, it has generated over 6 million interactions: digital messages to 900,000 benefits recipients, 50,000 letters to prior non-claimants, ads and social media hitting 4 million views, 125,000 multilingual materials at 200 sites, and community talks by the Comptroller’s team.
Insights from Urban Institute and New America shaped the approach, focusing on how residents engage government. Nonprofits like CASH Campaign of Maryland and We Are CASA! offer free tax prep for diverse groups.
Future tactics include mail to unemployment filers, emails to SNAP users, Medicaid alerts, school notifications, and MVA displays, plus radio and local news.
Eligibility checks and free help await at MarylandComptroller.gov/EarnedIt, 11 Comptroller branches, VITA sites or partners.
In Southern Maryland, where rural challenges limit access, this could inject vital funds. A Tax Policy Center brief notes that EITCs like Maryland’s extend to ITIN filers, boosting local economies.
Deputy Secretary Eric Morissette detailed agency ties, Pablo Blank of We Are CASA! shared immigrant support, Simone Brody of New Practice Lab emphasized data-driven tactics, and CASH CEO Robin McKinney discussed collaborations.
The event united leaders in a proactive stance, aiming to ensure no eligible resident misses out amid economic pressures.