News Releases

The Comptroller's Communications Office issues news releases on a regular basis to inform the media and through them, the public about important activities happening in the agency.

Current News Releases

Franchot, Shellenberger Combat Cigarette Smuggling Through Successful "Law and Order" Partnership
Annapolis, Md. (April 26, 2012) -Comptroller Peter Franchot, alongside Baltimore County State's Attorney Scott Shellenberger and members of the Comptroller's Field Enforcement Division, today announced a successful partnership to thwart cigarette smuggling which has resulted in the adjudication of 15 cases, with 13 cases currently pending trial. The Comptroller also called for stiffening the penalties to help discourage cigarette smuggling.

Franchot Draws Line in the Sand… Let Summer Mean Summer
Ocean City, Md. (April 19, 2012) - Citing the benefits to Maryland families, small businesses, and tourism overall, Comptroller Peter Franchot today called for a statewide policy change to have all school systems in the state begin classes after Labor Day weekend. Ocean City Mayor Rick Meehan and members of the local business community joined the Comptroller at the announcement.

Comptroller's Agents, MD Transportation Authority Arrest Four Alleged Cigarette Smugglers
Annapolis, Md. (April 13, 2012) - Touting a strong partnership between his agency and the Maryland Transportation Authority Police (MDTA), Comptroller Peter Franchot announced today that agents from his Field Enforcement Division confiscated more than 10,000 packs of contraband cigarettes. In addition to seizing the approximately $60,000 worth of contraband cigarettes, Comptroller's agents arrested four people in two separate cases within this past week.

Rumors of Unclaimed Treasures Are Circulating Around Maryland, Are You Up to the Challenge?
Annapolis, Md. (April 13, 2012) - Comptroller "Indiana" Franchot wants you to accompany him on an adventure beyond your wildest imagination. Millions of dollars in "lost treasure" are up for grabs for those willing to do a little digging. No exotic travel or crawling through hidden tombs required (and definitely, no snakes!). All you have to do is open your local newspaper where X marks the spot for your missing "golden idol."

Comptroller's Office Earns Honor for Innovative Training Program
Annapolis, Md. (April 11, 2012) - Emphasizing his commitment to maintaining high standards for customer service and efficiency, Comptroller Peter Franchot today thanked the Federation of Tax Administrators (FTA) for awarding the 2012 FTA Award for Training to the Maryland Comptroller's Office for its Leadership Training Program.

Tax-Filing Deadline One Week Away, Free Tax Help at Local Branch Offices This Saturday
Annapolis, Md. (April 10, 2012) - Exactly one week away from the tax-filing deadline, Comptroller Peter Franchot announced today that all of his 12 local branch offices will be open this Saturday, April 14, from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. to provide FREE income tax return assistance and preparation.

Tick Tock! Time is Running Out for Taxpayers to File 2011 Tax Returns
ANNAPOLIS, Md. (April 3, 2012) - Comptroller Peter Franchot today reminded Marylanders that they have exactly two weeks left to file their state and federal tax returns. This year's filing deadline is Tuesday, April 17 because the traditional April 15 deadline falls on a Sunday, and April 16 is Emancipation Day in the District of Columbia. "Just because there are two extra days this year to file your taxes doesn't mean you should procrastinate," warned Comptroller Franchot, "Taxpayers who wait until the last minute to file, especially those who file by paper, can miss deductions or make mistakes. The last thing you want are errors that could delay a refund."

Franchot, Law Enforcement, Activists Urge Senate to Pass Legislation to Increase Penalties for Smuggling
Annapolis, Md. (April 2, 2012) –In the shadow of the Maryland State Police Forestville Barracks, Comptroller Peter Franchot, alongside members of his Field Enforcement Division and other law enforcement agencies, today urged the Maryland Senate to pass Senate Bill 120, legislation aimed at increasing the penalties for smuggling cigarettes and other tobacco products into Maryland. The companion bill, House Bill 346, passed by a 115 to 12 vote margin in the House of Delegates in March. Comptroller Franchot hopes the Senate will follow suit.

Comptroller's Agents Join State Police to Crackdown on Cig Smuggling, Arrest 6 Individuals
Annapolis, Md. (March 29, 2012) - Continuing in his efforts to aggressively crackdown on cigarette smuggling through strong partnerships with local and state law enforcement agencies, Comptroller Peter Franchot announced today that agents from his Field Enforcement Division, working closely with the Maryland State Police (MSP), confiscated more than 6,500 packs of the contraband cigarettes. In addition to seizing the approximately $39,000 worth of contraband cigarettes, MSP and Comptroller's agents arrested six people in four separate cases on the Eastern Shore as a result of a two-day joint operation.

Comptroller Franchot To Host Online Q&A Session
ANNAPOLIS, Md. (March 27, 2012) - With just three weeks left until the April 17 tax deadline, many Marylanders still haven't filed their 2011 tax return. Some of that delay may be simple procrastination, but many others have questions about their taxes and won't file until they get the answers. To help taxpayers get those answers, Comptroller Peter Franchot is hosting his fourth live, online chat on Monday, April 2 from noon - 1 p.m.

Comptroller Issues $1 Billion in Refunds to Taxpayers
ANNAPOLIS, Md. (March 20, 2012) -Comptroller Peter Franchot announced today, that as of mid-March, his agency has processed electronically-filed returns with more than $1 billion in refunds requested for the 2011 tax year and that number is expected to increase as the filing deadline draws closer.

Six Weeks Until Tax Deadline, One Million Taxpayers Have Already Filed Electronically,
Annapolis, Md. (March 6, 2012) - With the tax-filing deadline exactly six 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 taxpayer living in Laurel, occurred five days ahead of last year's milestone.

News Release Archives

2012 Archived Releases

2011 Archived Releases

2010 Archived Releases

2009 Archived Releases

2008 Archived Releases

2007 Archived Releases