The Maryland Office of the Comptroller is launching a new online tax portal for individual taxpayers on September 1, 2026. While the new system promises a more modern and user-friendly experience, the transition will temporarily affect online filing and payment services throughout late July and August. If you own a business, are self-employed, make estimated tax payments, or simply file a Maryland individual income tax return each year, now is the time to prepare!
What is Maryland Tax Connect?
Maryland Tax Connect is the Comptroller’s new online tax portal that will replace several legacy systems that have been in use for more than 30 years, including iFile and the current online bill payment system. The new platform will allow individual taxpayers to:
- File Maryland income tax returns
- Make tax payments
- Check refund status
- View filing history and account information
- Access notices
- Set up and manage payment plans
- Update mailing information
The goal is to provide one secure location for managing Maryland tax obligations with real-time account information and expanded self-service options.
Important Dates to Know
The transition requires the Comptroller’s Office to migrate billions of tax records into the new system. During that process, some services will be temporarily unavailable.
July 24, 2026
Last day to make in-person paper check payments at Comptroller branch offices for personal income, pass-through entity, and fiduciary taxes. Electronic payments and money orders will continue to be accepted.
July 29, 2026
Last day for individuals to electronically file a Maryland tax return or make an online payment using the current system.
August 20, 2026
Last day for businesses to electronically file and pay taxes through the current Maryland Tax Connect business portal before the migration begins.
August 21 through August 31
The Comptroller will conduct the final system migration. Most online tax services will be unavailable during this period. E-check and credit card payments will still be accepted, but they may not appear on taxpayer accounts until after September 1.
September 1, 2026
Maryland Tax Connect officially launches for individual taxpayers and all services resume through the new portal.
What Should Business Owners Do?
Many Chamber members wear two hats by managing both business taxes and personal income taxes. Planning ahead can help avoid unnecessary stress during the transition.
Consider taking these steps now:
- Complete any online individual tax filings or payments before July 29 if possible.
- Complete business tax filings and payments before August 20.
- If you expect to owe estimated taxes during the transition, review your payment options in advance.
- Save copies of important tax records and confirmations before the migration begins.
- Share these dates with your finance staff, bookkeeper, payroll provider, or CPA so everyone is working from the same timeline.
Good News for Taxpayers
If a payment or filing deadline falls during the system outage window, the Comptroller has announced that no penalties will be assessed because of the planned transition. E-check payments will also remain available throughout the migration period as a free and secure payment option, although those transactions may not appear in your account until after the new system launches.
Learn More
The Comptroller has created an Individual Tax Hub with transition updates, frequently asked questions, registration information, tutorials, and additional resources to help taxpayers prepare for the September launch. The page will continue to be updated as new information becomes available.
Taking a few minutes to plan ahead now can help ensure a smooth transition and avoid interruptions when Maryland Tax Connect goes live this fall.
Frederick Chamber Insights is a news outlet of the Frederick County Chamber of Commerce. For more information about membership, programs and initiatives, please visit our website.