Comptroller Franchot Names Annual Top E-Filers

Annapolis, MD (December 11, 2009) – In an effort to acknowledge Maryland tax preparers who file their clients’ income tax returns electronically, Comptroller Peter Franchot today recognized one tax preparer from each county and Baltimore City. The awardees were selected for having the greatest increase in percentage of returns electronically filed over last year. More than 1.6 million tax returns were filed electronically in 2009, of which more than one million were filed by commercial tax preparers. Overall, there was a near 10 percent increase in electronic filing compared to last year.

“In these tough economic times, electronic filing is the way to go,” said Comptroller Franchot. “It allows taxpayers to conveniently file their taxes using a safe and fast method; while, simultaneously speeding up the process for receiving tax refunds and saving the state money.”

Each tax return filed electronically costs the state approximately 38 cents to process; while, every paper return cost nearly $1.95. Since electronic filing was implemented in the early 90’s, Maryland has saved more than $18 million in processing costs.

Visit www.marylandtaxes.com to file electronically, receive refund information, locate forms and publications, as well as answers to frequently asked questions. Additionally, taxpayers can also e-mail questions regarding their state taxes to taxhelp@comp.state.md.us or contact a representative at 410-260-7980 or at 1-800-MD-TAXES, Monday through Friday, from 8 a.m. until 5 p.m. Beginning February 1, the telephone assistance hours will extend to 8 p.m. These hours will continue through April 16.

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Certificates were presented to the following commercial tax preparation services who prepared the highest number of new electronic returns in their county and Baltimore City.

Allegany County
Edward J. Mattingly Jr., CPA
Cumberland, MD
Increase: 44%
Anne Arundel County
David Shanahan, CPA
Pasadena, MD
Increase: 147%

Baltimore City
Sly’s Financial Solutions
Baltimore, MD
Increase: 193%

Baltimore County
Jennifer Mackert
Baltimore, MD
Increase: 325%

Calvert County
Dowell Financial Servs LLC
Sunderland, MD
Increase: 46%

Caroline County
Byard E. Street
Preston, MD
Increase: 46%

Carroll County
Shaneybrook, Norris & Associates, Inc.
Hampstead, MD
Increase: 157%

Cecil County
Pavlik Associates LLC
Elkton, MD
Increase: 64%

Charles County
H & R Block Tax Group
La Plata, MD
Increase: 939%

Dorchester County
Robbins Adams & Co.
Cambridge, MD
Increase: 36%

Frederick County
Linton Shafer & Co, PA CPAs
Frederick, MD
Increase: 64%

Garrett County
Craig Ingram
Oakland, MD
Increase: 25%

Harford County
Aimee O’Neill & Co. Inc
Forest Hill, MD
Increase: 58%

Howard County
Stapf Financial Services
Sykesville, MD
Increase: 77%

Kent County
Ronald E. Jayne, CPA
Galena, MD
Increase: 21%

Montgomery County
Begosh Tax Service
Olney, MD
Increase: 292%

Prince George’s County
Colbert Ball Tax Service
Camp Springs, MD
Increase: 140%

Queen Anne’s County
Richard C. Graves, CPA LLC
Centreville, MD
Increase: 8%

Saint Mary’s County
A & W Associates Inc.
Mechanicsville, MD
Increase: 38%

Somerset County
Scott Tawes, CPA PA
Princess Anne, MD
Increase: 21%

Talbot County
Daley, Weaver, Mavity Associates LLC
Easton, MD
Increase: 282%

Washington County
Kline & Company
Hagerstown, MD
Increase: 48%

Wicomico County
Wango Accounting Services
Parsonsburg, MD
Increase: 66%

Worcester County
Bergey and Company, PA
Berlin, MD
Increase: 42%