Free tax preparation services
The filing and payment deadline for state individual income tax returns is Friday, July 15, 2022. The federal individual income tax deadline is Monday, April 18, 2022. There are free tax preparation and filing options available to low- and moderate- income households. Here is a list of a few of those options.
Offers free state and federal tax preparation services. Customers can choose between in-person and remote tax assistance depending on site availability.
Eligibility: Anyone with low- to moderate-income, with a special focus on taxpayers who are 50 or older may qualify.
Contact: Call 1-888-AARP-NOW (1-888-227-7669) or go online to the AARP Foundation Tax Locator.
Offers free state and federal tax preparation services.
Eligibility: Individuals/families who made less than $58,000 in 2021, specifically Spanish speakers. May also be able to assist persons who speak other languages, call for information. Must have an appointment.
Contact: Call 410-732-7777 to schedule an appointment.
Offers free state and federal tax preparation services. Customers can choose between virtual appointments or drop-off tax preparation. You must have an appointment to receive services.
Eligibility: If you live in the Baltimore area and made $58,000 or less in 2021, you may qualify for free tax preparation.
Contact: Click here to schedule an appointment.
Offers free state and federal tax preparation services. Customers can choose between virtual appointments or drop-off tax preparation depending on site availability. Customers must have an appointment.
Eligibility: If you made $58,000 or less in 2021, you may qualify for free tax preparation services.
Contact: Check out the list of tax partners offering free tax preparation services.
Offers free state and federal tax preparation services.
Eligibility: The filer made less than $58,000 in 2021.
Contact: Call 1-800-906-9887 and ask to find a location or go online to the IRS VITA locator.
Offers free federal (sometimes state) tax preparation services. Online services only or independent filing.
Eligibility: The filer must have made under $73,000 in 2021 to qualify for free online filing services. If the person made over $73,000, they offer free tax forms for the filer to complete independently.
Contact: Go online to choose an online free filing service.
Offers free state tax preparation services. Must have an appointment.
Contact: For general information and free Maryland income tax assistance, call Taxpayer Services at 410-260-7980 from Central Maryland, or 1-800-MD-TAXES (1-800-638-2937). Assistance is available Mon-Fri, 8:30AM-7PM. As an alternative for phone assistance, you can send an email to taxhelp@marylandtaxes.gov. You can also schedule an appointment online. A list of approved vendors for filing your electronic return can be found on the Comptroller’s website.
Common Tax Questions
Looking for your refund:
You must contact the IRS at 800-829-1040 or check online.
Confused about a tax issue and cannot get an answer:
Contact your Taxpayer Advocate. The Taxpayer Advocate Service (TAS) is your voice at the IRS. Their job is to ensure that every taxpayer is treated fairly, and that you know and understand your rights. TAS can help if you can’t resolve your problem with the IRS and:
– Your problem is causing financial difficulties for you, your family, or your business.
– You face (or your business is facing) an immediate threat of adverse action.
– You’ve tried repeatedly to contact the IRS but no one has responded to you, or the IRS hasn’t responded by the date promised.
31 Hopkins Plaza, Room 1134, Baltimore, MD 21201
443-853-6000 or 877-777-4778
Need held with a tax dispute:
For income-eligible taxpayers who need assistance in resolving a tax dispute with the IRS and cannot afford representation, or if they speak English as a second language and need help understanding their taxpayer rights and responsibilities, they may qualify for help from a Low Income Taxpayer Clinic (LITC) that provides free or low-cost assistance.
The Earned Income Tax Credit (EITC):
EITC helps low- to moderate-income workers and families get a tax break. If you qualify, you can use the credit to reduce the taxes you owe – and maybe increase your refund. Find out if you qualify.
What if I can’t pay my taxes:
If you cannot pay the full amount of taxes you owe, you should still file your return by the deadline and pay as much as you can to avoid penalties and interest. You also should contact the IRS to discuss your payment options at 800-829-1040. For more information, see The Collection Process and Tax Payment Options.