Find Free Tax Assistance In Maryland
Free tax preparation is available to help with federal and Maryland taxes. Get connected to trusted programs by searching the 211 Community Resource Database by ZIP code
Not sure which program is best for your situation? Learn about the programs, eligibility, and tax credits that many Marylanders miss.
Free Tax Preparation Programs
There are several reputable organizations that offer free tax assistance, each with their own adjusted gross income guidelines. There's even a program just for seniors. Learn about programs.
Preparing Taxes Yourself: IRS Free File
If you want to prepare your taxes on your own, the IRS Free File program links you to partner sites for free federal tax filing. IRS Free File is available to taxpayers with an adjusted gross income of $89,000 or less.
Most sites are free if you meet the income requirements, but some may charge a small fee for state filing, depending on your income.
Free Military Tax Software
Members of the military and veterans may qualify for free tax filing through MilTax software, provided through the Department of Defense and Military OneSource. Access the tax preparation software through your Military OneSource account. You can file a federal return and up to three state returns for free.
In-person help is also available through VITA.
Maryland Earned Income Tax Credit (EITC)
When having your return prepared, ask about the Maryland Earned Income Tax Credit.
If you're using tax software to prepare taxes, make sure the platform verifies eligibility. Some platforms don't do this automatically.
What is it?
You earned it! Eligible taxpayers who work and have low to moderate income may qualify for up to $4,000 to reduce their taxes or increase their refund. The tax credit depends on income and family size.
Who qualifies?
Many people miss out on it because they didn't know to ask about it. While everyone who qualifies for the federal EITC also qualifies for the state credit, there's a group of people who qualify for the state credit but may not qualify federally. That includes individuals with an Individual Taxpayer Identification Number (ITIN) and childless adults aged 18-24.
Seasonal gig workers, young adults, first-time workers, part-time employees, and caregivers may qualify for the Maryland EITC.
The Comptroller has a screening tool to help determine if you qualify for the credit.
Other tax credits
There are also other Maryland tax credits to ask your preparer about, including the Maryland Child Tax Credit (CTC), Child and Dependent Care Credit, and Senior Tax Credit.
Maryland Taxes
You must complete your federal return before you file your Maryland tax return.
Marylanders may be eligible to file directly with the IRS for free. The federal tool will transfer your information to Maryland's state tax tool, making filing easier. However, check your eligibility. The IRS notes that this is not the best option in some situations.
If you used an IRS Free File program partner for your federal return, the trusted partner may be able file your state tax return. In some cases, it's included, and in others, there is a fee. Learn what's included for each trusted partner.
Free Maryland Tax Filing
The Comptroller of Maryland can also help with state returns. They offer local tax help once you've completed your federal return.
For help filing the Maryland Income Tax forms, local offices are located in Baltimore, Cumberland, Annapolis, Elkton, Frederick, Greenbelt, Hagerstown, Salisbury, Towson, Waldorf, and Wheaton.
Schedule an appointment at one of these offices for free Maryland income tax assistance. You can get help filing an individual Maryland tax return, get an answer to a question, or get help with another type of Maryland tax.
You can also call Taxpayer Services at 410-260-7980 in Central Maryland or 1-800-MD-TAXES.
Where is my Maryland State Refund?
Are you looking for your Maryland tax refund? You can check the refund status through the Comptroller of Maryland. You'll need your Social Security Number and the exact refund amount shown on your tax return.
Paper returns can take 30 days to process. If you filed electronically through a professional tax preparer, you can also check with them if you haven't received your refund.
Bring These Tax Documents
If you schedule an appointment with an accountant or a free tax preparation service, you’ll need certain financial and personal identification documents. Check with your tax preparer for specifics, but in general, bring the following documents to your appointment:
- Social Security card and/or ITN for every family member. Prior-year tax returns can’t be used for verification.
- Photo ID for each filer
- W-2 for all jobs
- Child care provider name, address, and tax ID number or Social Security number
- All banking information to direct deposit the refund, if applicable (a voided check or deposit slip will work)
- Last year’s tax return
- Documents related to any money you received from the IRS or state
- 1099 forms, if applicable
- Any other tax-related documents
- Form 1095-A, B and/or C if you bought insurance through the Marketplace, Medicare/Medicaid, or your employer
- Marketplace Exemption Certificate, if applicable
Contact the organization with specific questions.
If you need help finding help preparing your taxes, dial 211.
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explore assistance programs
Learn about benefit programs and how to connect with support.
Utilities
Electric, gas, and water bill assistance programs
Housing
Rental payments, eviction prevention, homeless shelters
Taxes
Free tax preparation help, software, tax credits
