Comptroller Sensation Sweeps Internet

ANNAPOLIS, Md. (February 4, 2010) – Move over dancing babies. Comptroller Peter Franchot’s YouTube videos are becoming the latest Internet sensation. The latest humorous YouTube video unveiled today is aimed at encouraging Marylanders to use reputable tax preparers. 

 

“While every taxpayer is ultimately responsible for what is on his or her tax return, many choose to have someone else prepare their tax return,” said Comptroller Franchot. “The message in this campaign is to encourage Marylanders to choose a tax preparer responsibly.”

 

 

A tax preparer should never promise a refund before reviewing financial information or asking questions, promise a larger refund than another preparer or claim they have a special relationship with the Comptroller’s Office or the IRS. Before signing the prepared return, make sure to review the entire return.

 

Today’s latest cinematic gem is Comptroller Franchot’s fourth YouTube video. Previous videos featured e-file messages, touted the agency’s unclaimed property program and offered last minute tax tips. The agency’s YouTube videos have garnered more than 28,000 hits. While each video is sure to bring laughs, the topics are important.

 

“Bringing humor to the otherwise stressful topic of doing taxes is one way we hope to grab people’s attention,” said Comptroller Franchot. “Putting the video on YouTube is another avenue for us to reach Marylanders of all ages with this important message.”With a downturn in the economy, the comptroller has found a way to advertise without spending a lot of cash. The ad campaign encourages Marylander’s to file their state income taxes via the state’s tax website. The site is fast, safe and easy to use. 

 

Comptroller Franchot is also encouraging all Marylanders to file electronically this year. E-filing is the safest, fastest and easiest way to file your taxes. E-filers can expect to receive their money in a few days if they choose direct deposit.

 

Thanks to the Comptroller’s increased public outreach over the past two years, the number of electronic returns has gone up.  For tax year 2008, the Comptroller’s office processed more than 1.6 million returns electronically, up from the 1.5 million received in tax year 2007.  To date, for tax year 2009, the office has already downloaded 237,645 electronic returns. This compared to 218,264 downloaded this same time last year.

 

Paper returns cost the state $1.98 to process, compared to .38 cents for e-filed returns. Since its inception in the early 1990’s, electronic filing has saved the state roughly $18 million.

 

Check out the YouTube video at http://www.youtube.com/user/Comptroller1. The Comptroller’s office used volunteers from the agency to create the ad.

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