Last page edit 01/08/08

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Electronic Tax Filing

You can file both federal and state tax returns electronically.

Federal - The IRS allows you to file your federal tax returns by e-mail. Taxpayers who sign up with the IRS for a "Self-Select" personal identification number (PIN) are now permitted to file their entire tax return online. You may register a PIN with the IRS, and it will consider returns filed under your PIN to be valid substitutes for paper returns signed by you. You can register on-line with IRS. You can also find a tax professional who e-files, e-file from your PC or your phone . Instructions from IRS. 

Free for Eligible Persons
On-line Federal Tax preparation software
On-line filing

Maryland also allows electronic filing at the website of the State Comptroller. You are required to enter your social security number, last name and to establish a password. First-time filers must complete Form EL101, which will be displayed automatically. Read Frequently Asked Questions about (Maryland's Internet Filing system is available now) You can also pay online with a credit or debit card (transaction is secure).

Tax Preparation Services - Most tax preparers will be able to file your forms electronically for you. A few considerations:

  • Not all of the volunteer Tax Aide sites can file electronically for you.
  • There may be a fee for the electronic filing as well as the tax form preparation. Make sure you receive a copy of the form and confirmation that it was filed for you.
  • Particularly be careful of the places that offer you an "instant refund". They are not part of the IRS and the "instant refund" is, in effect, a loan. Because it is a loan, you will very likely be charged a fee. Find out the amount of the fee and decide if it is worth it or if you might be better off just waiting for your refund directly from IRS. Remember the earlier you file, the faster you will receive a refund. You do not have to wait until April.
  • If you file electronically and are due a refund, it will usually be processed faster than if you mail in your return.
Source: Maryland State Law Library   

Last Review Date (no legal content): 01/08/08 (PLL/M.A.J.)
Is this legal advice? This site offers legal information, not legal advice.  We make every effort to ensure the accuracy of the information and to clearly explain your options.  However we do not provide legal advice - the application of the law to your individual circumstances. For legal advice, you should consult an attorney.  See our section on Finding Legal Help.

About this website. The Maryland State Law Library, a court-related agency of the Maryland Judiciary, sponsors this site. The website was developed (1999-2007) as part of an access to justice initiative by the Maryland Legal Assistance Network (MLAN) in collaboration with a number of legal services providers serving low and moderate income Marylanders.  In the absence of file-specific attribution or copyright, the Maryland State Law Library may hold the copyright to parts of this website. You are free to copy the information for your own use or for other non-commercial purposes with the following language “Source: Maryland's People’s Law Library – www.peoples-law.org. © Maryland State Law Library, 2007.”

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