Getting your Maryland income tax refund can be a much smoother process when you opt for direct deposit. Instead of relying on a paper check arriving in the mail and then having to make a trip to the bank to deposit it, direct deposit offers a far more efficient and reliable solution.
When you choose to file your tax return electronically and select direct deposit, the Comptroller of Maryland will directly transfer your refund into your bank account. This typically happens within a few days after your return has been accepted and processed.
Important Information for Direct Deposit: It is crucial to provide accurate checking or savings account and routing numbers for your direct deposit request. You can find these numbers at the bottom of your checks. Do not use the numbers from your ATM or debit card. If you are unsure about your bank routing and account numbers, please contact your bank or financial institution to confirm. Providing incorrect information can lead to your bank rejecting the direct deposit, which will then result in a paper check being issued to you, significantly delaying your refund.
Please note: The Comptroller of Maryland is not liable for any misapplication of a direct deposit refund resulting from errors, negligence, or malfeasance on the part of the taxpayer, electronic filer, return preparer, financial institution, or any of their agents.
Splitting Your Maryland Tax Refund via Direct Deposit
For taxpayers who wish to deposit their refund into multiple accounts, it’s important not to include any direct deposit details directly on your income tax return. Instead, you will need to enter code 588 in one of the designated code boxes on your return, usually located near the telephone number section. Additionally, you must complete and attach Form 588 to your return.
Please be aware that Form 588 cannot be used if you are filing Form 502INJ, Maryland Injured Spouse Claim Form, or if you intend to deposit your refund into a bank account located outside of the United States.
Double-Check Your Bank Details
Before submitting your tax return, it is vital to verify that you have entered the correct bank account number and bank routing number.
Your bank routing number is generally located on the bottom left corner of your check. The bank account number follows it to the right.
If you are using checks from a bank that is payable through another financial institution, it’s recommended to confirm your bank account and routing numbers with your financial institution to ensure that your direct deposit will be accepted without any issues.
Accuracy is key when entering these numbers. The Comptroller’s Office cannot be held responsible for refunds lost due to incorrect account information provided by the taxpayer. Furthermore, once your return has been filed, it is not possible to change your bank account or routing numbers, even upon request. Direct deposit requests also cannot be canceled after filing.
Direct Deposit to Bank Accounts Outside the U.S.
Due to updated banking regulations, taxpayers need to indicate on the back of their return if their state refund is to be deposited into an account outside of the United States. If this is the case, you should not enter your routing and account number on your return, as direct deposit is not an available option. In such instances, a paper check will be issued to you.
Guidance for Electronic Filers:
- Specify whether you want your refund deposited into a checking or savings account. This is typically done using a Checking or Savings account Indicator (CSI) within your tax software, often by checking a box or indicating “Y” for checking and “N” for savings.
- Enter your nine-digit bank routing number, which is found in the lower-left corner of your personal check.
- Input your bank account number. This number is located on the bottom of your check, to the right of the routing number. Account numbers can be up to 17 characters long (including numbers and letters). Enter the number from left to right, leaving any unused spaces blank.
- If you are unsure of your bank routing or account number, contact your financial institution for assistance. This information is critical for successful direct deposit. Incorrect details will result in a paper check being issued.
Instructions for Paper Filers:
When filing a paper return, you will need to provide your bank routing number and bank account number directly on the form, and specify whether it is a checking or savings account. (Do not provide these details if your refund is going to a bank account outside the U.S.) Also, ensure you enter the name(s) as they appear on the bank account.
- For Form 502, complete lines 51a, 51b, 51c, and 51d.
- For Form 505, complete lines 54a, 54b, 54c, and 54d.
Important Note on Amended Returns:
While direct deposit is available for refunds from original tax filings, any refund resulting from an amended return will be issued as a paper check.
