News Releases
2011 Archived Media Releases
Have you 'Liked' Your Comptroller's Office Today?
Annapolis, Md. (December 6, 2011) - Comptroller Franchot can already be found attending events throughout Maryland to meet, greet and talk with citizens. But did you know that the agency also has a presence on Facebook, the Web and utilizes quick response (QR) codes?
Comptroller Franchot is Shopping Maryland
Annapolis, Md. (November 28, 2011) - Thanksgiving is over, and while many are still eating leftovers, Comptroller Franchot today visited Mondawmin Mall in Baltimore to help kick off his annual holiday 'Shop Maryland for the Holidays' tour through the state.
Caught in the Web: Comptroller Exposes Maryland's Top 50 Tax Cheats
Annapolis, Md. (November 17, 2011) - Comptroller Peter Franchot today announced the names of 25 businesses and 25 individuals owing nearly $21 million in unpaid taxes, penalties and interest. The Comptroller's Caught in the Web program lists the names of these 50 scofflaws on the agency's Website, which is a final effort to get them to pay their egregious tax liabilities.
Maryland Reaches a Tax Filing Milestone
Annapolis, Md. (October 18, 2011) – Comptroller Peter Franchot announced today that for the first time ever, his agency received its two millionth electronically-filed tax return from a resident of Westminster, Md.
Comptroller's Agents Continue to Crackdown on Cigarette Smuggling, Arrest Four Individuals
Annapolis, Md. (October 5, 2011) - Continuing in his efforts to aggressively crackdown on cigarette smuggling tobacco tax evasion tactics, Comptroller Peter Franchot announced today that agents from his Field Enforcement Division confiscated more than 17,000 packs of the contraband cigarettes. In addition to seizing the approximately $103,000 worth of contraband cigarettes, Comptroller's agents arrested four people in four separate cases within less than one week's time.
Comptroller, State’s Attorney Name Nine Individuals Indicted in Cigarette Smuggling Cases
Upper Marlboro, MD (September 22, 2011) – Comptroller Peter Franchot, alongside Prince George’s County State’s Attorney Angela D. Alsobrooks, announced today that a grand jury has indicted* nine people on charges of possessing and transporting contraband cigarettes in Maryland. The indictments are the result of a stepped-up enforcement effort spearheaded by the Comptroller’s Field Enforcement agents to reduce cigarette smuggling in and through Maryland.
Fairgoers Find More than Funnel Cakes With More Than $24k in Unclaimed Funds Uncovered
Annapolis, Md. (October 4, 2011) - County fairs often conjure up images of rides, funnel cakes and baby farm animals. But every year, one of the more popular attractions at the various Maryland fairs and festivals is Maryland Comptroller Peter Franchot's Unclaimed Property booth. This year was no different with more than 800 people finding lost money at events across the state.
Comptroller Launches Financial Literacy Petition Drive
Annapolis, Md. (September 29, 2011) Comptroller Peter Franchot joined students, teachers, parents and representatives from the local business community this week to launch his statewide petition drive for comprehensive financial literacy education for all Maryland students.
New Maryland Revenue Estimates Released
Annapolis, MD (September 21, 2011) -- Emphasizing the historic volatility in the economy and a slowing economic growth rate, the Maryland Board of Revenue Estimates (BRE) today released the updated revenue estimates for fiscal year 2012 and the first official estimates for fiscal year 2013. The Board submitted a revised estimate of general fund revenues for fiscal year 2012 of $14.105 billion and an estimate of $14.494 billion for fiscal year 2013. The fiscal year 2012 estimate represents an increase of $195 million over the March estimate, upon which the fiscal year 2012 budget was based.
Comptroller Franchot Announces Filing Extension for Taxpayers, Preparers Impacted by Hurricane Irene
ANNAPOLIS, Md. (September 7, 2011) – Following the lead of the Internal Revenue Service, Comptroller Peter Franchot today extended the September 15, 2011, filing due date for Maryland taxpayers and their preparers affected by Hurricane Irene. Eligible taxpayers now have until September 22, to file tax returns for personal and business tax filings normally due September 15.
Franchot Releases FY 11 Closeout Numbers
Annapolis, Md. (September 1, 2011) – Reiterating his call for fiscal restraint and caution during these turbulent economic times, Comptroller Peter Franchot today released the final closeout numbers for Fiscal Year 2011. General fund revenues totaled $13.5 billion in the fiscal year, which was $314 million above the official state forecast. However, reflecting the continuing fragility of the economy, corporate income and sales and use tax revenues fell short of estimates by more than $92 million.
Franchot Reports $2 Million Direct Revenue Loss from Hurricane Irene's Shuttering of Ocean City
Annapolis, Md. (August 31, 2011) - Comptroller Peter Franchot today announced the revenue impact of Hurricane Irene's wrath on Ocean City to state coffers. According to analysis from the Comptroller's Bureau of Revenue Estimates, Maryland lost more than $2 million in direct revenue over the past weekend, which includes an estimated $1.75 million in sales tax revenue and $150,000 in withholding taxes due to the evacuation of Ocean City.
Comptroller Agents Continue To Arrest Cigarette Smugglers, $89K Worth of Smokes Seized This Week
Annapolis, Md. (August 5, 2011) - Comptroller Peter Franchot announced today that agents from his Field Enforcement Division had another stellar week confiscating nearly 15,000 packs of the contraband cigarettes and arresting nine people in five separate cases.
Comptroller Franchot Awarded Honor for Financial Reporting
Annapolis, Md. (July 14, 2011) - A North-American government finance organization recently awarded Comptroller Peter Franchot with the Certificate of Achievement for Excellence in Financial Reporting. The Government Finance Officers Association of the United States and Canada (GFOA) honored Comptroller Franchot for Maryland's fiscal year 2010 Comprehensive Annual Financial Report (CAFR). Received for the last 32 years, the award is the highest form of recognition in the area of governmental accounting and financial reporting.
Franchot Warns Marylanders About New Tax Scam Threats
ANNAPOLIS, Md. (July 13, 2011) - Reinforcing his commitment to protecting Maryland taxpayers and consumers, Comptroller Peter Franchot today alerted Marylanders to a new series of fraudulent tax schemes which are working their way across the country. Numerous states in the Midwest and the South are reporting accounts of people falling victim to fly-by-night companies offering to help them get "free money" from the "special stimulus program" or other fictitious refund accounts.
Wine Shipments Now Available in Maryland
ANNAPOLIS, Md. (July 1, 2011) – Comptroller Peter Franchot marked his place in state history today making the first legal purchase of wine and having it shipped to his home. Beginning today, Marylanders can now have wine shipped to them and local wineries can ship their product to customers in the state.
Comptroller Agents, State Police Partner to Seize Nearly 7K Illegal Cigs on US-13, Somerset County
Annapolis, Md. (June 24, 2011) – After receiving a tip from Maryland State Police, agents for Comptroller Peter Franchot confiscated nearly 7,000 packs of contraband cigarettes and arrested a man earlier this week along US-13 in Princess Anne in Somerset County. During a routine traffic violation stop, Trooper Scott A. Zink of the Maryland State Police observed numerous cases of cigarettes partially hidden under a blanket inside the vehicle and immediately notified the Comptroller’s office. Comptroller’s agents arrived on the scene and seized 6,931 packs of illegal cigarettes, valued at more than $40,000.
Franchot Reports Sacked NFL Season Would Lead to Revenue Loss for Maryland
Annapolis, Md. (June 21, 2011) - While joining the millions of National Football League (NFL) fans around the country in hoping that an agreement is soon reached, Comptroller Peter Franchot today announced that Maryland would lose more than just Sunday afternoon entertainment if the NFL season is lost. According to the study just released by the Comptroller's Office, Maryland would lose an estimated $40 million in tax revenues if the entire season is cancelled.
Franchot Urges Superintendents to Use Funds for AC
Annapolis, Md. (June 16, 2011) - Comptroller Peter Franchot today urged school superintendents in Baltimore City, Baltimore County and Garrett County to make securing air conditioning for all their schools a top priority for the next round of school construction funding requests.
Franchot Reminds Marylanders, “Patriotism Is Tax- Free and Flags Are Too
ANNAPOLIS, MD (June 10, 2011) – As Flag Day (June 14) approaches, Comptroller Peter Franchot today reminded consumers and businesses that American, Maryland and POW/MIA flags are exempt from Maryland's 6 percent sales tax. The exemption can be found under the Tax-General Article of the Maryland Code, Section 11-205.
Franchot Investigates Insurance Companies for Holding Back Funds
Annapolis, MD (June 14, 2011) – Reinforcing his commitment to protect and serve the Maryland taxpayers, Comptroller Peter Franchot today announced that the State of Maryland and its residents are entitled to an estimated $4 million in overdue insurance and annuity payments from the recently audited group of John Hancock Insurance Companies. Any payments that aren't directly made to beneficiaries come back to the state’s unclaimed property fund. The audit was conducted by Verus Financial LLC as part of its nationwide investigation of the insurance industry. Maryland has joined with other states to determine if numerous life insurance companies have been failing to turn over funds that should have either been paid to beneficiaries or given to states as unclaimed property. The resulting audits could potentially bring tens of millions of dollars to Maryland.
Comptroller Franchot Reports $3.9 Million Rebate from State Credit Card Program
ANNAPOLIS, Md. (May 25, 2011)-Comptroller Peter Franchot today announced that the state of Maryland has received a $3.9 million rebate from Bank of America. The rebate is the result of 77 state agencies spending more than $260 million on small purchases through Maryland's corporate purchasing card program for the period of April 26, 2010, through April 25, 2011.
Comptroller Agents Seize $28K Worth Of Illegal Cigs.
Annapolis, Md. (May 6, 2011) – Law enforcement agents for Comptroller Peter Franchot confiscated nearly 5,000 packs of contraband cigarettes and arrested a New York man this morning along Route 13 at Perry Road in Somerset County.
Comptroller Franchot Applauds Board of Public Works
Annapolis, MD (May 4, 2011) - As part of his commitment to strengthen Maryland's public school system, Comptroller Peter Franchot joined Governor Martin O'Malley and Treasurer Nancy Kopp as the Board of Public Works unanimously voted to approve the recommendations by the Interagency Committee for School Construction (IAC) for the final $77 million in previously unallocated school construction funding for Fiscal Year 2012. Leading up to today's vote, the Comptroller visited nearly a dozen schools across the state. The visits to schools, ranked as high priorities by their respective local jurisdiction, allowed the Comptroller to hear directly from county school officials, teachers, students and parents as to their need for funding.
$41 Million Up for Grabs in 2011 Unclaimed Property Supplement
Annapolis, Md. (April 25, 2011) - Comptroller Peter Franchot today announced that his office will issue a 144-page advertising supplement over the next two weeks which lists 59,000 recently-identified owners of more than $41 million in unclaimed funds and property. The supplement will appear in 30 newspapers throughout the state, beginning tomorrow and running through Thursday, May 5.
STATEMENT Of Comptroller Peter Franchot On The Passing Of
Governor William Donald Schaefer
ANNAPOLIS, MD (April 18, 2011) – "William Donald Schaefer was an icon and a true Maryland treasure. His tenacity and forceful advocacy on behalf of all Marylanders will forever serve as guidance to me as comptroller. His compassion and steadfast commitment to his community should serve as a role model to all public servants and to all Marylanders, as well."
Franchot Thanks Legislature for Support
ANNAPOLIS, MD (April 12, 2011) – Citing the passage of historic legislation that allows Marylanders to ship wine directly to their homes, a bill that will help foster growth in the state’s burgeoning wine industry, new regulations to aid in the enforcement of tobacco laws, and legislation to create strategic tax credits, Comptroller Peter Franchot today thanked the members of the Maryland General Assembly for their support during the 2011 legislative session. He also expressed particular appreciation for the General Assembly’s commitment to provide his agency with the resources and budget it needs to continue to be a national leader when it comes to tax collection and providing efficient and effective services to the taxpayers of Maryland.
Tax-Filing Deadline Less Than a Week Away, Free Tax Help at Local Branch Offices This Saturday
Annapolis, Md. (April 12, 2011) - Comptroller Peter Franchot announced today that all of his 12 local branch offices will be open this Saturday, April 16, from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. to provide FREE income tax return assistance and preparation.
Comptroller Kicks off Better With Less Tour
Annapolis, Md. (April 11, 2011) - In an effort to highlight businesses innovatively operating at lower costs and pass along their lessons of efficiencies to government, Comptroller Peter Franchot will kick off his Better with Less tour this week. The 24-stop trek to businesses and non profit organizations across Maryland is part of his new award program by the same name. The tour begins Wednesday with stops in Worcester and Wicomico counties.
Comptroller Franchot Announces Agency's New Accounting Chief
ANNAPOLIS, Md. (April 5, 2011)- Comptroller Peter Franchot today announced the appointment of J. Michael Dougherty, Jr. of Hyattsville, Md., as the head of the agency's general accounting division. Most recently, the director of finance for Prince George's County, Dougherty will lead the state's accounting activities and corporate purchasing card program in addition to producing Maryland's annual financial report and ensuring more than 302,000 vendor payments. Dougherty is replacing the late Roland Unger, who died last year.
Comptroller Urges Taxpayers to iFile This Year to Ensure Quick Processing, Refunds
Annapolis, Md. (April 7, 2011) - In light of Friday's possible federal government shutdown, Comptroller Peter Franchot today encouraged Maryland taxpayers to electronically file their state tax returns using the agency's free online filing system, iFile, to ensure the return is quickly received and processed. More than a million taxpayers are expected to file their tax return or request an extension in the next two weeks.
No April Fool's Day Joke: Taxpayers Have Three Extra Days to File Their Taxes This Year
Annapolis, Md. (April 1, 2011) - Comptroller Peter Franchot today reminded Marylanders that this year's tax filing deadline has been extended to Monday, April 18, allowing taxpayers three additional days to prepare and file their 2010 tax returns. As an added bonus, taxpayers who owe money can receive an extra two weeks to pay their liability if they file their tax return electronically by the April 18 deadline and choose to have their payment direct debited. Payments must be scheduled for April 30, 2011 or earlier.
Free Tax Help at Local Branch Offices, Saturday
Annapolis, MD (March 23, 2011) - Comptroller Peter Franchot announced today that four of his local branch offices will be open this Saturday, March 26, from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. to provide FREE income tax return assistance and preparation. Agency employees will also be on-site to assist taxpayers with outstanding liabilities and tax debt issues.
Comptroller Promotes E-File; Provides Helpful Checklist to Prevent Errors
Annapolis, Md. (March 11, 2011) - With the tax filing deadline nearly five weeks away, Comptroller Peter Franchot today announced that his office has already received more than one million electronically-filed tax returns. The one-millionth electronic return, submitted by a Baltimore County tax preparer, occurred 11 days ahead of last year's milestone.
Top 50 Tax Cheats Exposed!
Annapolis, Md (March 8, 2011) - Comptroller Peter Franchot today announced the names of 25 businesses and 25 individuals owing more than $11 million in unpaid taxes, penalties and interest. His Caught in the Web program lists the names of these scofflaws on the agency's Website in an effort to shame them into paying up.
Comptroller Franchot Announces Increase in Fraudulent Tax Returns, Warns Taxpayers
ANNAPOLIS, Md. (March 4, 2011) - Comptroller Peter Franchot today announced that his office has noticed an increase in the number of questionable income tax returns this tax season and warns Maryland taxpayers that his office is on the lookout for tax fraud. The agency has identified nearly $6.6 million in fraudulent deductions and credits claimed so far this fiscal year, $3.3 million of which was detected in February as the tax filing season began. In Fiscal Year 2010, more than $6.5 million in questionable refunds were denied.
Comptroller Calls for Better With Less Nominations
ANNAPOLIS, Md. (March 3, 2011) – Recognizing the private sector’s proven commitment to deliver better products at lower costs, Comptroller Peter Franchot today called for nominations for a new award program aimed at highlighting businesses and non-profit organizations that have succeeded in tough economic times through efficiency and innovation. The honor, called the Better With Less award, will be given to one business or non-profit in each of Maryland’s 23 counties and Baltimore City.
Comptroller Joins Students, Teachers, Industry Leaders in Push for Financial Literacy Requirement
ANNAPOLIS, Md. (February 16, 2011) – Comptroller Peter Franchot joined an unparalleled coalition of supporters today calling for passage of legislation mandating a financial literacy graduation requirement for all Maryland students. Students, educators, consumer advocates and business leaders rallied for better financial education.
Franchot Reminds Consumers to Shop Maryland Energy This Weekend
Annapolis, Md (February 17, 2011) - Comptroller Peter Franchot today reminded consumers about Shop Maryland Energy, a tax-free weekend on certain ENERGY STAR products. Starting Saturday, February 19 through Monday, February 21, consumers who purchase ENERGY STAR products will be spared Maryland's six percent sales tax.
Franchot Announces Special Tax Break for Qualifying ENERGY STAR Products
Annapolis, Md. (February 7, 2011) – Comptroller Peter Franchot today announced a special tax break on certain ENERGY STAR appliances later this month. Dubbed “Shop Maryland Energy,” the Comptroller unveiled the tax-free weekend at a series of events featuring support from the Maryland Retailers Association, Maryland Energy Administration, Maryland Department of Environment, Department of Natural Resources, and several state and local officials. During the weekend of Saturday, February 19 through Monday, February 21, Marylanders who purchase qualifying ENERGY STAR products will be spared the states 6 percent sales tax.
Peter Franchot Officially Begins Second Term as Comptroller
Annapolis, Md (January 24, 2011) - In front of a crowd of nearly 200 guests, Peter Franchot today began his second term as Maryland's 33rd Comptroller in a special ceremony in the House of Delegates Chambers of the Maryland State House. Public officials from across the state as well as family and supporters were on hand as the Comptroller took the oath of office. Following his swearing-in, the Comptroller spoke to guests about his vision for the next four years.
Agency to Collect on Liability in Excess of $1 Million for Tax Years 1992 to 2009
Annapolis, MD (January 18, 2011) - Emphasizing his commitment to maintaining a level playing field for all Maryland taxpayers, Comptroller Peter Franchot announced today that his agency reached a settlement agreement with Gerald Katz of Montgomery County that will result in nearly $1.5 million being put back into state coffers. The settlement is part Katz's criminal conviction.
Get a Head Start on Your Taxes by
iFiling Today
Annapolis, Md. (January 18, 2011) - Comptroller Peter Franchot flipped the switch on the state tax filing season announcing that his office is ready to receive and process Maryland income tax returns electronically beginning today. While the IRS requires certain taxpayers to delay their filing, taxpayers can electronically submit state returns now, and then electronically submit their federal return to the IRS when the federal systems are ready.
Franchot Hires Taxpayer Ombudsman to Ensure World Class Customer Service- Experienced Public Servant to be New Advocate for Maryland Taxpayers -
Annapolis, MD. (January 5, 2011) - Reaffirming his commitment to provide Marylanders with the most effective and efficient customer service possible, Comptroller Peter Franchot announced today that James Arnie will assume the new position of Taxpayer Ombudsman. The mission of the Office of Taxpayer Ombudsman is to instill confidence and integrity in administration of Maryland's tax law and to offer taxpayers a more immediate contact for questions and concerns.
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