ANNAPOLIS, Md. (May 19, 2026) — Comptroller Brooke E. Lierman today released a snapshot of the agency's progress in processing personal income tax returns during the 2026 tax filing season.
As of May 18, the Office of the Comptroller has processed more than 2.94 million personal income tax returns and issued approximately $2.97 billion in refunds — on pace to be one of the fastest seasons in years. Compared with the same point last year, total returns processed are up 0.56%, and total refunds are up 7.81%, an increase of $191.2 million.
“These numbers reflect the work of our dedicated team,” Comptroller Lierman said. “We are moving quickly, protecting taxpayers and building toward a system that will serve Marylanders even better. The momentum we are seeing this season is something to be proud of.”
Ninety percent of electronically filed returns have been processed within two days. Paper return volume has dropped sharply; 65,705 paper returns have been received so far this year, a 21.71% decrease from the same period last year. The vast majority of Marylanders are now filing electronically, which remains the fastest, most secure, and least expensive option available.
For the small share of returns that take longer to process, delays are most often due to missing information, manual review requirements, or fraud screening. This tax season, the Comptroller's Office stopped $44 million in fraudulent refund attempts, protecting Maryland taxpayers and safeguarding state resources.
Later this year, the agency will begin transitioning personal income tax filing to a modernized platform, replacing the legacy SMART system that has been in place since 1995. The new system will include improved free filing options, a more accurate refund status tool, easier payment options, real-time account balances, and a full history of notices and correspondence. The agency successfully launched a new business tax platform in 2024; the personal income tax transition represents the culmination of years of planning toward a more modern, transparent taxpayer experience. Additional information about the new platform will be shared throughout the summer and ahead of the upcoming tax season.
“Revenue administration is one of the most complex functions the state government performs,” Comptroller Lierman said. “We are proud of the progress we have made, excited about where we are headed, and committed to continuing to improve how we serve Marylanders.”
