We Need Your Help
We are asking for your assistance in addressing a continuing issue in Maryland: the underfunding and inefficiencies of the Comptroller’s Office. We have reached the point where we need your voices to join us in advocating for change.
One of our biggest sources of frustration is their handling of the Passthrough Entity Tax credit. This credit, introduced in 2020, allows a business to make a payment that can then be claimed as a credit on the owner’s tax return. However, the implementation of this tax has been filled with issues, primarily due to the Comptroller’s Office’s outdated technology and initial misapplication of the payments.
To this day, payments must be made via paper coupon and mailed check, which has only leads to further misapplication errors. Virginia passed a similar law in 2021 and offered electronic payment options from day one.
We continue to face problems, even dating back to 2020 with some clients, from incorrect crediting of payments and notices being sent to the owners rather than the entity. The Comptroller's Office had promised to cease sending automated notices, but they didn't stop calculating penalties and interest charges. So now clients have started getting Notices to Levy, often without prior notification.
Moreover, reaching the Comptroller’s Office has become increasingly difficult. Calls are frequently met with an automated message citing "higher than average call volumes" and advising to call back later. This issue persists throughout the day indicating chronic understaffing, not occasionally high call volumes.
How You Can Help
We are asking you, especially our business owner clients, to contact your representatives and the Comptroller’s Office to voice your frustrations and request immediate improvements. Your involvement can make a significant difference.
Here is a template you can use:
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Good afternoon,
As a [resident/business owner] in your district, I am writing to express my concerns with the ongoing inefficiencies at the Maryland Comptroller’s Office. The administration of the Passthrough Entity Tax credit has been especially frustrating since its introduction in 2020, causing a significant burden on business owners and highlighting issues with the office's outdated technology, understaffing, and inefficient processes.
Payments still require paper coupons and mailed checks, unlike Virginia which offered electronic payment option from the first day of its implementation in 2021. Additionally, persistent understaffing results in frequent high call volumes and inability to speak to a representative despite multiple attempts.
I urge you to support the Comptroller’s requests for technological upgrades and increased staffing. Efficient tax collection is crucial for the smooth operation of our state, and is a bipartisan issue. It ensures that necessary public services are funded and that taxpayers retain confidence in the system. Modernizing the Comptroller’s Office is essential for maintaining a strong and competitive economy.
Thank you for your attention
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Thank you for joining us in this effort.
Comptroller Brooke Lierman, brooke@marylandtaxes.gov
Compliance Division, compliance@marylandtaxes.gov
General Accounting Division, gad@marylandtaxes.gov
Here is the link to find specific legislators in Districts - Find My Representative
You should contact the representatives of any district where your offices are located, where you perform services, and where you live. If you click on "lookup" you can enter an address to find your appropriate senator and delegates.
