"I know it sounds funny, but we're focusing on processing payments right now and we won't get to that mountain of refund returns anytime soon," said Schaefer. "If you want your refund fast, electronic filing is the way to go -- even if you already sent us a paper form."
Schaefer stated that the 1.6 million income tax filings his office has processed so far -- including 790,000 that were filed electronically -- means there are still about 1.2 million Marylanders still working on their state taxes as the April 15th filing deadline looms one week ahead.
"If you file electronically and choose direct deposit -- like 403,000 others did so far -- you'll get your refund in about 48 hours after processing," said Schaefer. "It'll happen that fast even if you file electronically on April 15."
Maryland taxpayers can file their state taxes online free of charge when visiting the comptroller's Web site. More than 61,000 have used his agency's free iFile Internet service so far. Taxpayers can also file their Maryland taxes electronically using approved software or commercial tax preparers.
Schaefer warned those who are still working on their taxes to forego the traditional paper method of filing. "If you're expecting a refund, don't even think about filing a paper tax form," said Schaefer. "File electronically -- otherwise you probably won't see that refund until weeks or even months from now."
"Experience also shows that people are more likely to make mistakes when they wait until the deadline and rush through filling out a paper tax form," said Schaefer. "When you file electronically, there are virtually no errors, and your return is processed overnight."
