"That's twice the percentage gain we've seen in our total number of electronic filings," said Schaefer.
The comptroller noted that out of the approximately one million Maryland tax returns processed so far, more than 628,400 were filed electronically -- surpassing the electronic filings processed at this time last year by 13 percent.
"The rising popularity of electronic filing among older taxpayers can't be attributed to growing numbers of elderly taxpayers alone," said Schaefer.
Out of a total of 2.6 million state tax returns filed last year, nearly 295,000 were filed by taxpayers 65 and older -- exceeding the 291,000 tax filings received from elderly taxpayers during the previous year by only 1.4 percent.
"I'm happy that more and more older folks are getting their state taxes done electronically," said Schaefer. "I've always wanted to make tax filing easier for people, especially senior citizens. Electronic filing is the answer -- it's convenient, safe and fast -- and it's even free when you visit our Web site." Taxpayers can also file their Maryland returns electronically using approved commercial software or professional tax preparers.
The Comptroller's Office has issued more than 822,500 refunds, including approximately 325,600 that were deposited directly into bank accounts at taxpayer request. Direct deposit refund requests are running 14 percent ahead of the pace set at this time last year.
