Getting your Maryland income tax refund efficiently is a priority for many taxpayers. If you’re wondering, “where’s my refund maryland?”, understanding the best methods for receiving your money and how to track it is key. Direct deposit stands out as the quickest and most reliable way to get your Maryland tax refund. Opting for direct deposit into your bank account eliminates the wait associated with mailed checks and trips to the bank for deposit.
When you file your Maryland tax return electronically and choose direct deposit, the Comptroller of Maryland aims to deposit your refund directly into your designated bank account within days of accepting and processing your return. This streamlined approach significantly speeds up the refund process compared to traditional paper checks.
IMPORTANT: Accuracy is paramount when providing your bank details for direct deposit. Always use valid Checking or Savings account and routing numbers. These numbers are typically found at the bottom of your checks. Crucially, do not use the numbers from your ATM or Debit Card, as these are different from your account and routing numbers. If you’re unsure about your bank routing and account numbers, contact your bank or financial institution directly to confirm. Incorrect information can lead to your bank rejecting the direct deposit, forcing the Comptroller to issue a paper check instead. This not only delays your refund but also introduces potential mail delivery uncertainties.
Please note that the Comptroller of Maryland is not liable for misapplied direct deposit refunds resulting from errors, negligence, or misconduct on the part of the taxpayer, electronic filer, tax preparer, financial institution, or their agents.
Splitting Your Maryland Tax Refund via Direct Deposit
For taxpayers wishing to deposit portions of their refund into multiple bank accounts, it’s important to note that you should not enter any direct deposit information directly on your income tax return form. Instead, to split your refund, you must enter code 588 in one of the code number boxes located to the right of the telephone number section on your tax return. Furthermore, you need to complete and attach Form 588, which provides the necessary details for splitting your refund.
However, 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. In these specific cases, alternative arrangements will apply, typically involving a paper check.
Double-Check Your Bank Routing and Account Numbers
Before submitting your Maryland tax return, meticulously verify your bank account number and bank routing number. Accuracy is essential to avoid delays or complications with your direct deposit.
Your bank routing number is the nine-digit number usually located on the far left at the bottom of your check. Your bank account number follows it to the right.
If you are using checks from a bank that is payable through another financial institution, it is vital to confirm your bank account and routing numbers with your financial institution to ensure your direct deposit will be accepted without issues.
Enter your bank details with utmost care. The Comptroller of Maryland cannot be held responsible for refunds lost due to incorrect account information provided by the taxpayer. It’s also important to understand that once your return is filed, it is not possible to change your bank account and routing numbers, even upon request. Similarly, direct deposit requests cannot be canceled after filing.
Direct Deposit to Bank Accounts Outside the U.S.
Due to evolving banking regulations, Maryland taxpayers need to indicate on their tax return if their refund is intended for deposit into a bank account outside the United States. If your refund is going to a foreign bank account, do not enter your routing and account number on your return. Direct deposit is not an available option for international bank accounts. In such cases, the Comptroller will issue a paper check for your refund.
Instructions for Electronic Filers:
- Indicate your account type: Specify whether you want your refund deposited into a checking or savings account using the Checking or Savings account indicator (CSI). This is usually done by selecting a checkbox or using a “Y” or “N” designation within your tax software.
- Enter Bank Routing Number: Provide the nine-digit bank routing number. This number is typically found in the lower left-hand corner of your personal checks.
- Enter Bank Account Number: Input your bank account number, located to the right of the routing number at the bottom of your check. 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.
- Verify Information: If you are unsure of your bank routing or account number, contact your financial institution to get the correct details. Accurate information is critical; incorrect details will result in a paper check being issued instead of direct deposit.
Instructions for Paper Filers:
When filing a paper Maryland tax return, you will need to manually enter your bank routing number and bank account number on the form. You must also specify whether the account is a checking or savings account. (Do not provide bank account details if your refund is going to a bank account outside the U.S.). Additionally, write the name(s) as they appear on the bank account.
- For Form 502 filers: Complete lines 51a, 51b, 51c, and 51d.
- For Form 505 filers: Complete lines 54a, 54b, 54c, 54d.
Refunds from Amended Returns:
While original Maryland tax refunds can be processed via direct deposit, any refund resulting from an amended tax return will automatically be issued as a paper check. Direct deposit is not available for refunds from amended returns.
By understanding these guidelines, especially regarding direct deposit and accurate bank information, Maryland taxpayers can efficiently receive their refunds and minimize delays. For those still wondering “where’s my refund maryland?”, direct deposit is your fastest route to receiving your tax return.
