No joke: Tax filing deadline extended

BALTIMORE - This year's tax filing deadline has been extended to Monday, April 18, according to Comptroller Peter Franchot.

The extension allows taxpayers three additional days to prepare and file their 2010 returns, and as an added bonus, taxpayers who owe money can receive an extra two weeks to pay their liability.

In order to receive those extra two weeks, you must file your return electronically by the April 18 deadline and choose to have your payment direct debited. Payments must be scheduled for April 30 or earlier.

"This is no April Fool's Day joke," said Comptroller Franchot. "Taxpayers have an additional three days to prepare and file their taxes this year. I recognize that Marylanders who owe taxes may be feeling the pinch more than ever this year so these filers have the opportunity to extend their payment until the end of the month," added the Comptroller.

The IRS has extended the filing date because of Emancipation Day, a holiday observed in DC, and falls on Friday, April 15 this year.

According to the IRS, by law, DC holidays impact tax deadlines in the same way that federal holidays do, thus the tax deadline will be on the following Monday.

Taxpayers requesting an extension must do so by the April 18 deadline and will have until Monday, October 17 to file their 2010 returns. An extension only delays filing, not the obligation to pay the tax owed.

Penalties and interest are applicable to underpayment and begin to accrue on the tax deadline.

"If you are filing for an extension on your federal return and you do not expect to owe any additional taxes to the state of Maryland, then you do not need to file for an extension with my office because it happens automatically," said Comptroller Franchot. "However, if you expect to owe additional tax to the state, you must file for an extension with the state as well as the IRS and pay the amount you estimate to owe."

Free state tax assistance is available at all of the agency's 12 taxpayer service offices, Monday through Friday, 8 am to 5 pm, and additional hours of assistance will be offered on Saturday April 16 fro 9 am to 1 pm and on Monday April 18 from 8 am to 7 pm at all agency locations.

Taxpayers can also download state tax forms, find helpful information and check the status of their refund by visiting the Comptroller's Website , or by calling 410-260-7980 or 1-800-MD-TAXES for free state tax help. The call center is open Monday through Friday, from 8 a.m. until 8 p.m. through April 18, as well as on Saturday, April 16 from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m.

To check the status of a refund by phone, please call, 410-260-7701 or 1-800-218-8160.