How to File Maryland Taxes Online

Filing Maryland state tax online

Residents and nonresidents of Maryland can file state tax returns online with the state's iFile system. First-time filers will need to take an additional step to file their first state tax return online. However, you must meet the eligibility requirements set forth by the state of Maryland. Before you start, you will need to prepare to file your tax return and must have completed a federal tax return.

Things You'll Need

• Completed federal tax return
• W-2 forms
• 1099 forms
• All other tax documents
• First-time filer Form EL101

Instructions

Can You File Online?

1. Meet the system requirements to iFile online. You need to have Microsoft Internet Explorer 4.0 or Netscape 4.0 or newer, as well as Adobe Acrobat 4.0 or newer.

2. Ensure that you are eligible to use iFile. If you are filing forms 500CR, 1042S, 515 or 505, you cannot use iFile. If you have more than 50 forms 1099 and W-2 to report, you cannot use the iFile online system. Other items that will make you ineligible to use iFile can be found at the Resources link.

3. Fill out Form EL101 if this will be your first time filing a tax return in Maryland. The form will be included in the available forms section on the confirmation page after you have completed your tax return. The form must be filled out and filed with your personal records unless you are instructed by the system to send in a signed copy.

Filing the Maryland Tax Return

1. Choose the tax year for which you need to file and the form you need to use from the section, "Choose a tax year and form type" at the Comptroller of Maryland's iFile site, available in the Resources section.

2. Log into the system with your last name, Social Security number and a password if you filed your state tax online the previous year. If you are new to the system, you will be asked a series of questions to register for the system, and will set your full name, Social security number and password.

3. Follow the questions and prompts to enter your data. You will need all of your W-2 and 1099 forms, plus a copy of your federal return to complete the Maryland state tax return. When entering the amounts, round down to the lowest dollar amount if the cents are $0.49 or less and up to the nearest dollar if the cents are $0.50 or more. For instance, $2.39 would be $2 and $5.66 would be $6.

4. Review the data entered when you complete the return. Click on "Tax Summary" to view your entries. If you see an entry that must be changed, click on that section to go to the form where you can change the entry. Never use the browser back button. If you must go back to the previous page, use the "Back" button on the form.

5. Complete the return for filing the tax return. At the bottom of the page, click "Submit" and another page will open telling you what (if any) other forms you may need to submit by mail. Addresses to the appropriate offices are provided here.

Tips & Warnings

• If you need to complete the return in sessions, you can click "Save" and sign out. When you are ready to complete the return, sign back in with your last name, Social Security number and password.

• You can file Maryland state tax when you file your federal return with online programs, but you will need to pay a fee. Maryland's website program is free.

Resources

• IFile: Eligibility to Use iFile
• Comptroller of Maryland: iFile Maryland