(April 24, 2020) – As we navigate these unprecedented times, I hope you, your families, employees, and friends are doing the best you can and remain healthy. I wanted to reach out to you and let you know that we are doing everything possible to help you, your business, and all Marylanders through this crisis.
Last month, in an effort to help Marylanders and businesses keep as much cash flow as possible to pay bills and employees, I announced that state income tax filing and payment deadlines are now due July 15. We also just announced that all business-related tax filings and payments that would have been paid in March, April, May, and June are now due July 15 as well.
In addition to help our locally-owned, small business keep their lights on, our office has been actively messaging about the importance of shopping locally as much possible. We are also maintaining a statewide directory of food and beverage establishments who are adapting to survive these challenging economic times by offering delivery or carryout. The list is available on the homepage of our website at www.marylandtaxes.gov. Through our partnership with Governor Larry Hogan, his executive order also allows for carry out of alcoholic beverages by those who are licensed to serve and sell alcohol. We also lifted limits on alcohol production by our craft beverage manufacturers. Our agency and I remain strong advocates for Maryland’s small businesses, the backbone of our state’s economy.
Work also continues on the agency’s Compass Project, our historic investment to upgrade and integrate our tax processing and collection system. From the onset of this endeavor, I promised that I would keep you informed on the project’s progress. Working mostly remotely, our staff continues to design and test the system. Our planned launch date for the first implementation remains on target for the 3rd Quarter of 2020. As you recall, our goal is to migrate our alcohol tax, permitting and licensing functions to the new system first. We will ensure a smooth transition and continue to provide the best customer service of any comptroller’s office in the nation.
Thank you for your continued efforts to protect your customers and help keep our state as healthy as possible. We will get through this crisis together. I know this is an incredibly difficult time for you, your families and your businesses. My office remains determined to do everything we can to help you through these unsettling times. If you need anything from our office, please don’t hesitate to reach out to me at pfranchot@marylandtaxes.gov.
