Comptroller Franchot Launches Humorous E-File Campaign on YouTube

ANNAPOLIS, MD (February 5, 2009) – Comptroller Peter Franchot kicked off a marketing campaign today aimed at encouraging Marylanders to file their taxes electronically. The initiative was launched with a YouTube video and will follow with advertising in local newspapers, displays in government buildings and other materials.

“The message in this campaign is to encourage Marylanders to do their taxes electronically,” said Comptroller Franchot. “Bringing humor to the otherwise stressful topic of doing taxes, is one way we hope to grab people’s attention. Putting the video on YouTube is another avenue for us to reach Marylanders of all ages.”

Electronic filing is the fastest way for taxpayers to receive a tax refund. E-filers can expect to receive their money in a few days if they choose direct deposit.

Marylanders who file by paper won’t fare so well. Due to budget cuts, the agency was un-able to hire as many temporary paper processors as in years past. The quick turnaround many paper-filing taxpayers are used to will not be the case this year. Paper returns are expected to take up to one month to process this year.

“I encourage all Marylanders to file electronically this year,” said Comptroller Franchot. E-filing is the safest, fastest and easiest way to file your taxes. Many people need their refunds quickly and e-filing makes that happen.”

Thanks to the Comptroller’s increased public outreach over the past two years, the number of electronic returns has gone up. For tax year 2007, the Comptroller’s office processed more than 1.5 million returns electronically, up almost 200,000 from the 1.3 million received in tax year 2006. To date, for tax year 2008, the office has already downloaded 96,930 electronic returns. This compared to 82,871 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 $14 million.

Check out the YouTube video at http://www.youtube.com/comptroller1

For interview opportunities and to visit our revenue processing center, contact: Lisa Lester (410) 260-7210 (office), 443-858-7868 (cell)