A Maryland tax refund delay can feel like watching paint dry while the state holds your hard-earned money. Whether you’re waiting on your state return while the feds came through, or both are stuck in limbo, the frustration is real. As a CPA who’s helped countless Marylanders navigate this exact situation, I can tell you: delays happen, but you’re not powerless. Let’s dig into why your refund is taking forever and what you can actually do about it.
Table of Contents
Why Maryland Refunds Get Delayed
Maryland’s tax refund processing times vary depending on how you file and what’s on your return. The state typically promises refunds within 30 days of receiving your return if you e-file, or 60 days if you mail it in. But “typical” and “actually happening” are two different things.
The Maryland Department of Revenue (MDR) processes hundreds of thousands of returns each year. When yours hits a snag—whether it’s a missing document, a discrepancy with your W-2s, or just plain backlogs during peak season—your refund sits in queue. The state doesn’t have unlimited resources, and neither does the IRS, which means if your federal return is delayed, your Maryland refund often follows suit.
Here’s what most people don’t realize: a Maryland tax refund delay often signals something fixable on your return. It’s rarely just “the state is slow.” More often, it’s a red flag that needs your attention.
Check Your Refund Status Online
Before you panic or take action, you need data. Maryland offers a free refund status tool on the MDR website. Go to mdr.maryland.gov and use their “Where’s My Refund?” portal. You’ll need:
- Your Social Security Number
- Your filing status
- The exact refund amount you claimed
This tool updates regularly and will tell you if your return is still processing, if there’s an issue, or if it’s been approved. If it shows an error code or message, write it down—you’ll need it for the next steps.
The federal IRS also has its own tool at irs.gov/refunds. Check both if you filed jointly or have federal and state returns pending.
Common Reasons for Processing Delays
In my experience, these are the usual suspects behind a Maryland tax refund delay:
- W-2 or 1099 mismatch: Your employer reported income that doesn’t match what you claimed. The IRS and Maryland’s systems talk to each other, so discrepancies get flagged.
- Missing or incomplete documents: You claimed a credit or deduction but didn’t attach the required forms (like Maryland’s EV tax credit documentation if you filed for Maryland EV tax credit benefits).
- Identity verification: The state needs to confirm you are who you say you are. This has become more common post-pandemic.
- Prior-year debt: You owe back taxes or have unfiled tax returns from previous years. Maryland will hold your refund to offset that debt.
- Duplicate or amended return: If you filed an amended return or the state received duplicate filings, processing slows down significantly.
- Fraud alerts: Unusual activity patterns or claims trigger fraud reviews, even if you’re completely legitimate.
5 Proven Solutions to Speed Things Up
Solution 1: Call the Maryland Department of Revenue Directly
This is your first move. Don’t email. Don’t wait. Call the MDR Taxpayer Service Bureau at 410-260-7980 or toll-free at 1-800-638-2937. Have your Social Security Number, filing status, and refund amount ready. A real person can:
- Tell you exactly why your return is delayed
- Identify missing documents
- Escalate your case if needed
- Give you a timeline for resolution
Call early in the morning or mid-week to avoid hold times. Yes, you might wait 20-30 minutes. It’s worth it.
Solution 2: Verify Your Identity with Maryland
If the MDR flagged an identity verification issue, you’ll need to submit proof. This typically means:
- A copy of your government-issued ID (driver’s license, passport)
- Proof of address (utility bill, lease agreement)
- A signed statement confirming the information on your return
Send these via the secure upload portal on mdr.maryland.gov, or mail them to the address the MDR provided. Once verified, your refund usually processes within 5-10 business days.
Solution 3: File an Amendment If You Made Errors
If the delay is because of errors on your original return, don’t ignore it. File Form 502 (Maryland’s amended return form) immediately. This actually speeds things up because it shows the state you’re proactive and legitimate. Include a cover letter explaining what you’re correcting and why. Mail it to:
Maryland Department of Revenue
Annapolis, MD 21411
Or file electronically through an approved e-file provider if you used one originally.
Solution 4: Request Taxpayer Advocate Help
If you’ve called multiple times and aren’t getting answers, escalate to the Maryland Taxpayer Advocate. This is a free service designed to help when normal channels fail. They can investigate your case and push it through the system. Contact them through the MDR website or ask for the Taxpayer Advocate number when you call the main line.
Solution 5: Check for Offsets or Debt Issues
If Maryland is holding your refund to cover back taxes or other debts, you need to address the underlying issue first. Request a payment plan or settlement with the MDR. Sometimes negotiating a partial payment will release your current-year refund. This requires a conversation with the Collections Division at the MDR—same main number as above.
Contact Maryland Department of Revenue
Here’s your quick reference:
- Main Phone: 410-260-7980 or 1-800-638-2937
- Hours: Monday–Friday, 8:30 AM–4:30 PM ET
- Online Portal: mdr.maryland.gov
- Mailing Address: Maryland Department of Revenue, Annapolis, MD 21411
- Email: Check mdr.maryland.gov for department-specific email addresses (don’t use email for urgent issues)
Pro tip: If you’re calling about a Maryland tax refund delay, have your return in front of you and expect to be on hold. Use that time to gather any documents the MDR might ask for.
Amended Returns & Refund Issues
If you filed an amended return to correct errors, know that amended returns take longer to process—typically 60 to 90 days, sometimes longer. The MDR has to cross-check your changes against the original return and verify everything matches federal records.
If your original return was already delayed and then you amended it, you’re looking at a longer wait. This is why it’s critical to get your original return right the first time. If you’re unsure about credits, deductions, or filing status, work with a tax professional before hitting submit.
How to Prevent Future Delays
Once you get this refund sorted, make these your habits:
- E-file, don’t mail: Electronic filing is faster and more accurate. The state processes e-filed returns in 30 days or less (when there are no issues).
- Double-check everything: Verify your SSN, filing status, income figures, and claim amounts match your W-2s and 1099s before you file.
- Attach required documents: If you’re claiming credits like the EV tax credit or education credits, include supporting documentation upfront. Don’t wait for the state to ask.
- File early: Don’t wait until April 14th. File in early February if possible. This gives the state time to process without peak-season bottlenecks.
- Keep records: Save copies of everything you file—your return, receipts, W-2s, 1099s, and confirmation numbers. You’ll need them if there’s ever a question.
- Use a professional if needed: If your return is complex (self-employment income, multiple states, rental properties), a CPA or enrolled agent is worth the fee. They know the rules and catch errors before the state does.
Frequently Asked Questions
How long should a Maryland tax refund take?
Maryland typically processes refunds within 30 days for e-filed returns and 60 days for mailed returns, assuming there are no issues. If you’re past that window, something flagged your return and needs attention. Call the MDR to find out what’s holding it up.
Can I get interest on a delayed refund?
Yes, but only in specific situations. If Maryland is late processing a correct return, you may be entitled to interest. However, if the delay is due to errors on your return or missing documents you didn’t provide, interest doesn’t apply. Ask the MDR about this when you call—they’ll let you know if you qualify.
What if I never filed a Maryland return and owe taxes instead?
That’s a different issue, but it’s also fixable. Contact the MDR immediately to set up a payment plan or discuss options. The longer you wait, the more penalties and interest accrue. Unfiled tax returns get more expensive the longer they sit.
Can I file for an extension if I’m waiting on my refund?
Extensions apply to filing deadlines, not refund processing times. If you haven’t filed yet, you can request an extension to file. But once you’ve filed, an extension won’t speed up your refund. Get your return in as soon as possible.
What if Maryland lost my return?
This is rare, but it happens. If you mailed a paper return and it’s been over 60 days with no status update, call the MDR and ask them to search for it. If they can’t find it, you’ll need to refile (electronically this time). Keep the original certified mail receipt as proof you sent it.
Does the Maryland tax refund delay affect my federal refund?
Not directly. Your federal and state returns are processed separately. However, if there’s a discrepancy between your federal and state returns (like a W-2 mismatch), both could be delayed. Check both the IRS and Maryland status tools to see which one is holding things up.
Can a tax professional help speed up my refund?
A tax professional or enrolled agent can call the MDR on your behalf and sometimes get answers faster, but they can’t actually speed up processing. What they can do is identify the issue quickly and help you fix it. If the delay is due to an error on your return, they can file an amendment immediately, which is the fastest path forward.
Bottom Line
A Maryland tax refund delay is frustrating, but it’s usually solvable. Start by checking your status online, then call the MDR if anything looks off. Most delays are fixable within a week or two once you identify the issue. The key is not waiting passively—take action as soon as you notice you’re past the normal processing timeline.
If you’re filing next year, remember: e-file early, double-check everything, and attach supporting documents upfront. A little extra care on the front end saves you from dealing with delays on the back end. And if your return is complex, consider working with a tax professional. It’s cheaper than the stress of a delayed refund.
