BALTIMORE — The RELIEF Act was officially signed into law Monday.
Now most Maryland residents are wondering if they qualify for a check or tax reduction, and when they can expect payment.
Under the new law -- 422,531 recipients are eligible for one-time stimulus payments of $300 or $500.
Those who claimed the Earned Income Tax Credit in Tax Year 2019, and live in Maryland or have permanent residence as of February 12, qualify.
Comptroller Peter Franchot on Monday said that 98 percent of RELIEF Act stimulus payments will be processed by February 19.
Also -- 32,000 people who filed for unemployment but are still waiting for their case to go through, will be sent $1,000 grants.
This will happen once the state Department of Labor sends the Comptroller’s Office a list of owed recipients.
The new law also waives state income taxes for some citizens receiving Unemployment Insurance income throughout 2020 and 2021.
Waivers will be given to single filers who reported under $75,000 of income and joint filers earning under $150,000.
If you already filed a 2020 State tax return, you can file an amended return for a full refund of Maryland state income taxes on those benefits.
Additionally, the RELIEF ACT allocated funds for a variety of small business and community support organizations. The Comptroller’s General Accounting Division will disburse that money issued from state agencies to grant and loan awardees.
Currently those with Individual Taxpayer Identification Numbers, including undocumented immigrants who pay taxes but don't have Social Security numbers, are not eligible.
Automatic payments are being made using bank account information on file from citizens 2019 Maryland State Income Tax Return.
Those receiving paper checks in the mail either chose not to get direct deposit, or the information used in 2019 is no longer accurate.
Those contacting the Comptroller’s Office to update their unverified mailing address on file will also receive paper checks.
The Comptroller's Office says they don't have verified addresses for approximately 6,000 eligible recipients.
Those individuals are asked to call 1-833-345-0787 or email ReliefAct@marylandtaxes.gov to provide updated information so the payments can be issued.
To receive the status of your payment or to see if you qualify, click hereor call 1-833-345-0787.
