Board approves hiring help to process tax returns

(AP) – A Maryland board has approved a contract to hire auditors temporarily to help the state process nearly 18,000 amended personal income tax returns due to a Supreme Court decision.

The Board of Public Works unanimously approved the contract for up to $600,000 on Wednesday.
    
The Supreme Court ruled earlier this year that it is unconstitutional for Maryland to, in effect, double-tax income residents earn in other states. The state allowed residents to deduct taxes paid to other states from their state of Maryland tax. But that deduction was not extended on a local “piggyback” tax collected for counties and some city governments.
    
To avoid paying interest on the returns, refunds must be issued within 45 days of the receipt of the amended tax returns.