Maryland Comptroller Brooke Lierman visits Eastern Shore to promote new IRS Direct File system

MARYLAND. – A new system in the state could help Marylanders pay off their taxes more effectively. Comptroller Brooke Lierman visited the shore to help promote the system. She said it’s always an honor to travel from the western shore.

“It’s great to be here on the Eastern Shore. I met with our comptroller team members, and with Shore Up officials, because they run a volunteer income tax support site and VITA program.”

The new Direct File system will allow Marylanders to get ahead of the game. Maryland is one of 25 states involved in the new initiative. Around 870,000 residents are eligible to use the new system. Lierman said this offers residents another filing option.

“An exciting new offering this year, where we partnered with the IRS, called Direct File. It’s a free and more secure way to file taxes available online.”

There are other methods to file, groups like TurboTax and H&R Block can help prepare forms. Community agency groups like Shore Up also help residents file. Established for more than six decades, Shore Up’s purpose is to fight poverty. Chief Communications Officer Julie Peters recommends community members use them as a resource.

“Our tax program is staffed mainly by volunteers certified by the IRS to prepare taxes, and around 1,200 to 1,700 tax returns filed through us every year.”

If you would like to file through the federal government, you can here.

If you are ineligible, Shore Up can offer free assistance here.

Taxes are due by April 15th.