Maryland Revenue Dept 2026: Tax, Refund, Phone & Login Help
A practical guide for people searching for the Maryland Department of Revenue. In Maryland, state tax filing, refund, sales tax, withholding, business tax accounts and payment help are primarily handled by the Comptroller of Maryland. Individual online filing uses iFile, while many business tax services use Maryland Tax Connect.
Quick Answer: What Is the Maryland Department of Revenue?
Maryland taxpayers often search for “Maryland Department of Revenue,” but the official state tax office is the Comptroller of Maryland. The Comptroller’s office handles Maryland individual income tax, business tax, sales and use tax, employer withholding, tax payments, refund status, tax notices, tax debt assistance, unclaimed property and many taxpayer service functions.
Individuals
Use the Comptroller for Maryland individual income tax filing, iFile, forms, refund status, balance due payments, estimated payments, extension payments, tax notices and tax debt help.
Businesses
Use Maryland Tax Connect and Comptroller business services for sales and use tax, withholding, corporate tax, admissions and amusement tax, business tax registration and business tax payments.
Property tax
Maryland property assessment and property tax bill questions usually involve SDAT and local county or municipal offices, not the normal income tax refund line.
Maryland Revenue Dept Key Facts for 2026
Use this table before you log in, file, pay, check a refund, register a business or call Maryland tax support.
| User question | Correct Maryland answer | Best next step |
|---|---|---|
| What is the official Maryland tax agency? | The Comptroller of Maryland handles most Maryland state tax administration and taxpayer services. | Start with the official Comptroller website. |
| What is Maryland Tax Connect? | Maryland Tax Connect is a self-service portal for filing, paying, registering businesses, viewing history and interacting with the Comptroller’s office. | Use it for supported business tax and payment functions. |
| What is iFile? | iFile is Maryland’s online electronic filing system for resident personal income tax returns and common associated schedules/forms. | Prepare your completed federal return, W-2/1099 records and Maryland details. |
| Where do I check a Maryland refund? | Use the official Maryland refund status service or automated refund phone lines. | Prepare return details before using the tool or phone system. |
| What is the Maryland refund phone number? | Refund status: 410-260-7701 from Central Maryland or 1-800-218-8160 from elsewhere. | Use the online tool first when possible. |
| What is the Maryland general tax help phone number? | Taxpayer Services: 410-260-7980 or 1-800-638-2937 outside Central Maryland. | Have tax year, notice number, filing period and account information ready. |
| What is the Maryland sales tax rate? | Maryland’s general sales and use tax rate is 6%; alcoholic beverages can have a 9% sales and use tax rate. | Check official Comptroller guidance before collecting or remitting. |
| Who handles Maryland property tax bills? | Property assessments involve SDAT; bills and payments are usually handled locally by county or municipal tax offices. | Start with SDAT for assessment and local office for payment. |
Maryland Tax Helper: Which Official Page Do You Need?
Choose your task and this helper points you to the right Maryland Comptroller, Maryland Tax Connect, iFile, SDAT or local property tax path. It does not collect personal data.
Select a task. The helper will show the right official path, what to prepare and the common mistake to avoid.
Maryland Tax Login: Maryland Tax Connect vs iFile vs Payment Services
Maryland tax login depends on the tax type. Individuals commonly use iFile for resident income tax filing and the Comptroller’s online payment tools for balance-due, estimated or extension payments. Businesses use Maryland Tax Connect for supported tax accounts, filings, payments, guest filing and registration.
Use Maryland Tax Connect when you need to
- File and pay supported Maryland business tax returns.
- Register a business through the Combined Registration Application.
- File or pay as a guest for supported business taxes.
- View account information, balances, filing history and payment history.
- Add an authorized user such as a CPA, payroll company or tax professional.
- Apply for or renew supported business licenses and exemption certificates.
Use iFile when you need to
- File a Maryland resident personal income tax return online.
- Make personal estimated payments where supported.
- Submit a personal extension request and payment.
- Work from your completed federal return because Maryland begins with federal adjusted gross income.
- Use common resident schedules and forms supported by iFile.
- Save and print copies of submitted return records.
Maryland State Tax Filing 2026: Individual Income Tax, iFile, Forms and Federal Return Connection
Maryland individual tax filing starts with your federal return. The Comptroller’s filing guidance explains that a Maryland return begins with federal adjusted gross income, so you should prepare the federal return first before preparing your Maryland return.
| Filing item | What to know | User action |
|---|---|---|
| Maryland resident return | iFile supports Maryland resident personal income tax return filing for supported tax years and forms. | Use iFile if your return type is supported. |
| Federal return first | Maryland filing starts from federal adjusted gross income. | Prepare or complete your federal return before Maryland filing. |
| Documents needed | iFile guidance lists W-2, W-2G, 1099-R and 1099-G copies among records to prepare. | Collect income, withholding, credits and federal return details. |
| Software filing | Maryland allows electronic filing through approved commercial software and preparers. | Confirm county abbreviation and local subdivision code when needed. |
| Paper filing | Paper returns and payments should follow current Maryland form instructions and official mailing addresses. | Use current-year forms and keep mailing proof. |
| Help option | Comptroller branch offices can provide blank forms, general tax questions, accept completed returns and provide certain certified copies. | Check location rules and appointment requirements first. |
Maryland Tax Refund Status: Online Tool, Automated Phone and What To Prepare
Use the official Comptroller refund status service to check a Maryland state income tax refund. Do not confuse a Maryland refund with an IRS federal refund; those are tracked separately.
Before checking refund status
- Confirm you are checking a Maryland state refund, not a federal IRS refund.
- Have the taxpayer identification details tied to the return.
- Have the tax year and expected refund amount ready.
- Know whether you filed electronically, by software, through a preparer or on paper.
- Check online before calling when possible.
- Do not file a duplicate return just because a refund is delayed.
Refund phone options
The Comptroller contact page lists refund status phone options at 410-260-7701 from Central Maryland and 1-800-218-8160 from elsewhere in Maryland. General taxpayer assistance is separate from the automated refund status line.
Maryland Tax Payments: eCheck, Balance Due, Estimated Payment, Extension Payment and Business Payments
The Comptroller highlights online payment options, including fee-free eCheck for certain individual balance-due, extension and estimated payments. Businesses use Maryland Tax Connect for many supported business tax payments, and guest payment options may be available for some liabilities.
Payment records to keep
- Payment date and confirmation number.
- Tax type, tax year and filing period.
- Amount paid and payment channel.
- Bank/card record if applicable.
- Return filing confirmation or notice number.
- Screenshot or PDF receipt from the official payment page.
Guest payment reminders
Maryland Tax Connect guest options can allow certain filing and payment actions without a registered portal account. For business guest payments, prepare FEIN or CRN, account period, billing invoice or notice number and financial institution information.
Maryland Sales and Use Tax 2026: 6% Rate, 9% Alcohol Rate, License, Temporary Permit and Tax Connect Filing
Maryland sales and use tax is handled by the Comptroller. The general Maryland sales and use tax rate is 6%. Alcoholic beverage sales and use tax can be 9%. Businesses should check taxability, exemption certificates, licenses and filing requirements before collecting tax.
| Sales tax topic | Maryland rule to know | Best action |
|---|---|---|
| General rate | Maryland general sales and use tax rate is 6%. | Do not add local sales tax unless official guidance says a special tax applies. |
| Alcoholic beverages | Maryland guidance references 9% sales and use tax liability for alcoholic beverages. | Check official rules for beverage transactions. |
| Sales and use tax filing | The Comptroller directs users to file or pay through Maryland Tax Connect, approved software or a professional preparer. | Use the official portal and save confirmation. |
| Temporary license | Temporary sales and use licenses can be required for events such as craft shows and fairs and are valid for 30 days. | Request a temporary license before the event if required. |
| Temporary license phone | Temporary license phone help is listed at 410-767-1543 or 410-767-5462. | Prepare event date, event name, location, legal name, address, email and phone. |
| Sales tax refund | Sales and use tax refund forms include SUT205 and SUT212 depending on the claim. | Keep receipts, invoices and documentation supporting the refund claim. |
Maryland Business Tax Registration: Combined Registration Application, CRN, Business Express and Tax Connect
A Maryland business may need multiple steps: entity formation, federal EIN, state tax accounts, employer withholding, sales/use tax license, unemployment insurance and local license checks. Maryland Tax Connect and Maryland Business Express help route different parts of the process.
| Business task | Correct Maryland path | What to prepare |
|---|---|---|
| Form LLC/corporation or search entity records | Maryland Business Express / SDAT business services | Business name, entity type, resident agent and formation details. |
| Get federal EIN | IRS | Legal name, responsible party, structure and address. |
| Register Maryland tax accounts | Comptroller Combined Registration Application / Maryland Tax Connect | FEIN/SSN, owner details, location, business activity and tax account types. |
| Sales and use tax license | Combined Registration Application / Tax Connect | Sales activity, location, start date, taxability and contact details. |
| Withholding account | Combined Registration Application / Tax Connect | Employer start date, payroll information and employee wage withholding setup. |
| Local license or permit | County or city office | Business location, zoning, trade license, health permits or local license needs. |
Maryland Employer Withholding Tax: Payroll, MW507, Tax Connect and Wage Records
Maryland employer withholding is part of the state’s pay-as-you-go income tax collection system. Employers must record tax withheld from employee wages and submit withheld funds to the state by the assigned due date.
Employer withholding checklist
- Register a withholding account when required.
- Collect and keep Maryland employee withholding certificate information.
- Use current Maryland withholding tables or percentage method tables.
- Maintain a ledger account showing amounts withheld from wages.
- File and pay through Maryland Tax Connect where supported.
- Keep payroll records, W-2/1099 records and payment confirmations.
Special withholding reminder
Maryland guidance notes that eligible rollover distributions subject to mandatory federal withholding and received by Maryland residents may require Maryland withholding at 7.75%. Employers and payors should check official withholding guidance before filing.
Maryland Corporate, Pass-Through, Estate, Fiduciary and Business Tax Roadmap
Maryland Tax Connect modernization has been adding tax types beyond the first business-tax rollout. Business users should confirm whether their tax type is handled through Maryland Tax Connect, iFile, legacy services, paper forms or a specialized Comptroller unit.
Business records to keep
- Federal business return and Maryland business tax forms.
- Maryland Central Registration number and tax account details.
- Maryland Tax Connect profile, PIN/welcome letter and authorized user records.
- Entity formation, resident agent and Maryland Business Express records.
- Sales tax, payroll, withholding, exemption and local license records.
- Notices, bills, appeal records and payment confirmations.
Common Maryland business mistake
Do not assume forming an LLC, getting an EIN or opening a business bank account automatically creates every Maryland tax account. Business entity filing, tax registration, local licensing and ongoing tax filing are separate workflows.
Maryland Property Tax: SDAT Assessment, County Bills and Why Comptroller May Not Be the Right Office
Maryland property tax is not usually handled like income tax or sales tax. Property assessment records and real property data are handled through SDAT, while tax bills, payments, credits and local due dates often involve county or municipal offices.
| Property issue | Usually correct office | What to prepare |
|---|---|---|
| Assessed value or property record | Maryland SDAT / local assessment office | Property address, account/parcel ID and assessment notice. |
| Property tax bill or payment | County or municipal tax office | Bill, account number, property address, tax year and payment record. |
| Homeowners’ or renters’ credits | Maryland state/local property tax credit pages | Income, residency, property, lease and eligibility documentation. |
| Appeal assessment | SDAT / local assessment appeal process | Assessment notice, comparable sales and deadline. |
| Income tax refund or tax notice | Comptroller of Maryland | Tax year, SSN/FEIN, notice and return details. |
Maryland Tax Notice, Bill, Compliance Letter or Refund Adjustment: What To Do Next
A Maryland tax notice may involve an income tax balance, missing return, refund adjustment, withholding issue, sales tax account, business registration problem, tax debt, collection action, document request or refund offset. Identify the issuing office and tax type before paying or calling.
| Notice type | First thing to check | Best action |
|---|---|---|
| Income tax balance | Tax year, amount due, payments, credits and notice deadline. | Compare your return, payment records and Maryland account details. |
| Refund adjustment | Changed line item, missing document, offset, withholding or credit issue. | Review W-2/1099, return and refund-status records. |
| Sales tax notice | Filing period, tax account, sales records, exemptions and portal confirmation. | Check Maryland Tax Connect filing/payment history. |
| Withholding notice | Employer account, payroll period, withheld tax, W-2/1099 and payment history. | Compare payroll records and withholding filings. |
| Tax debt or collection | Notice number, tax type, amount, deadline and requested action. | Use official tax debt assistance or call taxpayer services. |
| Suspicious contact | Sender, domain, payment method and data requested. | Open official Maryland Comptroller pages directly and avoid suspicious links. |
Maryland Comptroller Locations: Branch Office Services, Appointments and Mailing Addresses
The Comptroller lists branch offices where taxpayers can get certain services. Some basic services do not require a scheduled appointment, while other services require an appointment. Always check the official location page before visiting.
| Location topic | What the Comptroller lists | User action |
|---|---|---|
| No-appointment services | Blank Maryland tax forms/booklets, general tax questions, completed Maryland tax returns/requested documents and some certified copies. | Bring identification and relevant tax records. |
| Appointment services | All other services require an appointment. | Schedule online before visiting. |
| Office hours | Branch offices are listed as open Monday through Friday, 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. | Check for holidays or closings before travel. |
| General correspondence | Revenue Administration Division, P.O. Box 549, Annapolis, MD 21411-0001. | Use exact official instructions for the specific form or notice. |
| Mail returns and payments | Revenue Administration Division, P.O. Box 8888, Annapolis, MD 21401-8888. | Use current form instructions before mailing. |
| Virtual appointments | Virtual appointments require internet access, Microsoft Teams, camera access and email access. | Join five minutes early and keep tax documents ready. |
Maryland Revenue Dept Phone Numbers and Contact Paths
Use the right Maryland tax phone number for the issue. Prepare your tax year, notice number, SSN/FEIN or CRN, filing period, refund amount, confirmation numbers and a short summary before calling.
| Need | Contact path | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| General taxpayer services | 410-260-7980 or 1-800-638-2937 outside Central Maryland | Use for tax type questions not otherwise covered. |
| Refund status | 410-260-7701 or 1-800-218-8160 | Use for automated income tax refund status. |
| Business licenses | 410-260-6240 or 1-866-239-9359 | For Maryland business license questions listed by the Comptroller. |
| Estate tax | 410-260-7850 or 1-800-MD-TAXES | Use official estate tax instructions for filing details. |
| Tax clearance certificate | 410-767-1966 or 1-800-648-9638 | Prepare business and account details. |
| Unclaimed property | 410-767-1700 or 1-800-782-7383 | Use the official unclaimed property search before calling. |
| Taxpayer Advocate | 410-260-6222 | Use when normal channels are not resolving a qualifying taxpayer issue. |
| Maryland Relay | 7-1-1 in Maryland or 1-800-735-2258 | Relay service for deaf, hard-of-hearing, deaf/blind or speech-disabled users. |
Maryland Department of Revenue FAQs
Visible FAQs below match the FAQPage schema included at the end of this article.
Does Maryland have a Department of Revenue?
Maryland state tax services are primarily handled by the Comptroller of Maryland, not a separate agency commonly branded as the Maryland Department of Revenue.
What is the official Maryland tax agency?
The official Maryland tax agency for most state tax filing, payment, refund and taxpayer service matters is the Comptroller of Maryland.
What is Maryland Tax Connect?
Maryland Tax Connect is the Comptroller’s self-service portal for filing, paying, registering businesses, viewing account history and managing supported Maryland tax accounts.
What is Maryland iFile?
Maryland iFile is the Comptroller’s online electronic filing system for supported resident personal income tax returns and related forms.
Where do I check my Maryland tax refund?
Use the official Maryland refund status service from the Comptroller of Maryland and prepare the tax year and return details before checking.
What is the Maryland refund phone number?
The Maryland refund status phone numbers are 410-260-7701 from Central Maryland and 1-800-218-8160 from elsewhere in Maryland.
What is the Maryland Comptroller phone number?
General taxpayer assistance is available at 410-260-7980 or 1-800-638-2937 outside Central Maryland.
What is the Maryland sales tax rate?
The general Maryland sales and use tax rate is 6%. Alcoholic beverages can be subject to a 9% sales and use tax rate.
Where do I file Maryland sales tax?
Maryland sales and use tax can be filed and paid through Maryland Tax Connect, approved software or a professional tax preparer.
How do I register a Maryland business tax account?
Use Maryland Tax Connect or the Combined Registration Application to register for supported Maryland business tax accounts.
What tax accounts can the Maryland Combined Registration Application cover?
The application can cover accounts such as sales and use tax, income tax withholding, admissions and amusement, use tax, tire recycling fee, transient vendor license and unemployment insurance.
Can I file Maryland business taxes as a guest?
Maryland Tax Connect guest options can support selected filing and payment actions such as Sales and Use, Withholding and Admissions and Amusement forms.
What should I prepare before using Maryland Tax Connect?
Prepare FEIN or CRN, tax account type, filing period, payment information, portal login or guest filing details and any welcome letter or PIN if applicable.
Does Maryland Tax Connect handle individual income tax?
Maryland Tax Connect is being expanded in phases. Individual income tax has been listed among tax types being added during the modernization rollout, while iFile remains a key individual filing option.
Who handles Maryland employer withholding tax?
The Comptroller of Maryland handles employer withholding tax guidance and Maryland Tax Connect supports filing and payment for withholding where applicable.
Who handles Maryland property tax bills?
Maryland property tax bills are usually handled by county or municipal tax offices, while assessments and property records are handled through SDAT.
Where do I search Maryland unclaimed property?
Use the official Maryland Comptroller unclaimed property website to search for and claim qualifying unclaimed property.
What are Maryland Comptroller branch office hours?
The Comptroller location page lists branch offices as open Monday through Friday from 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m., but users should check holidays and appointment requirements.
Where do I mail Maryland returns and payments?
The Comptroller lists Revenue Administration Division, P.O. Box 8888, Annapolis, MD 21401-8888 for mail returns and payments, but current form instructions should always be checked.
Is this website the official Comptroller of Maryland website?
No. This is an independent informational guide. Use official Maryland Comptroller, Maryland Tax Connect, Maryland.gov and SDAT pages for filing, payments, refunds and legal tax decisions.
Final Recommendation: Use the Comptroller of Maryland, iFile and Maryland Tax Connect
For Maryland state tax filing, refund status, payments, sales tax, withholding, business tax accounts and official phone help, start with the Comptroller of Maryland. Use iFile for supported resident individual income tax filing and Maryland Tax Connect for supported business tax filing, payment, registration and account management. For property tax bills, start with your county or municipality; for assessments, start with SDAT.
Last editorial update: June 7, 2026. Verify final filing, payment, refund, business registration, notice, property tax and legal details on official Maryland government pages.