Posted on 01/24/22
| News Source: Pikesville Patch
The 2022 tax season is under way, and as W-2s and other tax forms hit U.S. mailboxes, many in Maryland will wonder when they can file and what changes are in store for their returns this year.
The first day to file 2021 tax returns is Jan. 24, according to the Internal Revenue Service. That's two weeks earlier than last year.
As the Internal Revenue Service battles with staffing shortages, backlogs and aging technology, watchdog groups urge taxpayers to file their 2021 returns as far ahead of the Monday, April 18, tax deadline as possible. They should also file electronically.
Maryland Comptroller Peter Franchot announced last week the filing and payment deadline for 2021 Maryland state individual income taxes has been extended by three months — to Friday, July 15 — to help taxpayers facing financial difficulties due to the COVID-19 pandemic.
The extended filing and payment deadlines for state taxes are essentially a waiver of penalties and interest on outstanding liabilities.
“Many people are still struggling to stay above water, so giving taxpayers more time to file and pay will hopefully ease their financial pressure,” Franchot said in a news release. “As we approach the two-year mark of the onset of COVID-19, my agency remains as committed as ever to helping Marylanders who still are feeling the pandemic’s impact.”
The IRS already has warned of processing delays for the 2022 tax season due to COVID, but has not indicated any plans to extend the federal income tax filing and payment deadline beyond April 18.
This is the second year Americans will file tax returns that will likely look significantly different than in previous years due to the ongoing coronavirus pandemic. One of the largest changes that could affect returns this tax season is the expanded child tax credit payments received by many Americans.
Appointments at any of the comptroller’s 12 branch offices must be scheduled online in advance. Virtual appointments also are available. No walk-ins will be accepted. Masks are required in all branch offices, regardless of vaccination status.
Taxpayers can call 1-800-MD-TAXES or email taxhelp@marylandtaxes.gov. The agency’s branch offices and call centers are both open 8:30 a.m. – 4:30 p.m., Monday through Friday. Beginning February 1, the call center will remain open until 7 p.m., only for personal income tax assistance.