How Long Does It Take to Get a Maryland Tax Refund?

Maryland tax refunds are an important financial event for many residents. Understanding the process and anticipated timeline helps taxpayers plan their finances and manage expectations.

Typical Refund Timelines

The speed of your Maryland tax refund depends on your filing method. E-filed returns are generally processed faster, with refunds typically issued within two to four weeks.

Paper returns involve a more extensive manual process, extending the processing time. Taxpayers filing paper returns should anticipate a longer waiting period, typically six to eight weeks. These timelines are general estimates and assume no issues with the submitted return.

What Affects Your Refund Timeline

Several factors can influence how quickly a Maryland tax refund is processed. Accuracy and completeness are important, as errors, missing information, or discrepancies on a return can trigger a manual review, significantly delaying the refund. This includes issues like incorrect calculations, missing signatures, or incomplete forms.

Some returns are selected for additional review, which can extend the timeline. These reviews might be for identity verification, income verification, or to scrutinize specific tax credits or deductions claimed. Returns flagged for potential fraud also undergo a more thorough examination. The time of year when you file can also play a role; filing early in the tax season may lead to quicker refunds, while peak periods, such as around the tax deadline, could experience longer waits due to higher processing volumes.

The method of receiving your refund also impacts the timeline. Opting for direct deposit is faster than receiving a paper check. Funds deposited directly into a bank account are typically available within a few days once the refund is issued, eliminating the mailing time associated with paper checks. If direct deposit information, such as routing or account numbers, is incorrect or incomplete, the refund may be delayed or returned, potentially resulting in a paper check being mailed instead.

How to Check Your Refund Status

Taxpayers can check the status of their Maryland tax refund using online and phone resources. The Maryland Comptroller’s website provides a “Where’s My Refund” tool. To use this online tool, provide your Social Security number and the exact amount of your anticipated refund as it appears on your tax return.

Alternatively, you can call the automated refund inquiry hotline provided by the Maryland Comptroller’s Office at 1-800-218-8160 or 410-260-7701. Have your Social Security number and the refund amount ready for verification. Wait at least 10 days after your return has been accepted before checking the status, as it takes time for the return to be processed.

What to Do About Refund Delays

If your Maryland tax refund is significantly delayed beyond the typical processing times, there are steps you can take to address the situation. After checking your refund status using the online tool or automated phone line, you should allow a reasonable waiting period before taking further action. If the status indicates an issue or if the delay is prolonged, reviewing your submitted return for any potential errors or missing information is a helpful first step. Mistakes like incorrect calculations, missing signatures, or incomplete details can cause holds.

It is important to promptly respond to any letters or requests for additional information from the Maryland Comptroller’s Office. Failure to do so can further prolong the delay. If you need to amend your return due to an error, Maryland Form 502X is used for residents, and Forms 505X and 505NR are for non-residents or part-year residents. Amended returns typically cannot be e-filed and must be mailed.

If the delay persists or if you receive a notification requiring action, contacting the Comptroller’s Office directly is appropriate. You can reach the Taxpayer Services Division at 410-260-7980 or toll-free at 1-800-638-2937. Have a copy of your return and any related correspondence ready to provide specific details. The Comptroller’s office is required to process refunds within 45 days of filing or pay interest on delayed amounts, according to Maryland Tax Code Section 10-911.