AARP Offers Free Tax Help

There's just one week to go before the tax deadline. If you haven't filed your returns yet, you have a lot of company.

Ron Matz reports the state comptroller was in Baltimore Tuesday with some advice and a warning.

Comptroller Peter Franchot is warning Marylanders about fly-by-night tax preparers.

"They charge exorbitant fees. They have items such as refund anticipation loans that are complete ripoffs for consumers. People should avoid them," said Franchot.

More than 1.5 million people haven't filed their state tax returns.

"Our request to them is to be very careful in whom they go to for help as far as preparing tax returns," said Franchot.

The comptroller says e-filing is quicker.

"We've received 1.3 million electronically filed returns. That's a terrific upsurge from last year. In addition, we've received 240,000 paper returns. If you file electronically, you'll get a refund back within 72 hours. If you file a paper return, it will take four or five weeks," he said.

AARP is providing free tax preparation services at 170 locations around the state.

"Our volunteers dedicate long hours to training so that they can help taxpayers prepare accurate and complete tax returns in a timely and a professional manner. This is at no charge to the taxpayer, and you do not have to be an AARP member," said Tiffany Lundquist, acting director of the Maryland AARP.

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