By Megan Sayles,
AFRO Business Writer,
msayles@afro.com
Comptroller Brooke Lierman kicked off tax season on Jan. 23 at the ribbon-cutting of her new Baltimore office at 7 Saint Paul Street. The new Office of the Comptroller is the first Maryland agency to move from the State Center Complex to downtown Baltimore.
The space will accommodate 300 team members across six floors and was designed with accessibility at top of mind. The office’s location is steps away from Charles Center Station and walkable to several bus lines.
“Leaving the outdated facilities at State Center and moving into this newly renovated space in downtown Baltimore really demonstrates our commitment and our entire agency and state government’s commitment to creating a work environment that our great team members deserve, an improved experience for all Marylanders and a resilient and prosperous Baltimore anchored by a thriving downtown core,” said Lierman.
The move comes after a 2021 announcement from former Governor Larry Hogan, which allocated funds to relocate more than 3,000 state workers to Baltimore’s Central Business District.
Lierman said the new office will bolster efforts to modernize her agency, a promise she made to Marylanders during her campaign. She also announced the upcoming launch of Maryland Tax Connect, a secure online portal that will enable residents to pay their taxes, file tax returns and register businesses on mobile and desktop devices.
The portal will open to business tax filers on Feb. 6 with the goal of opening to all Maryland taxpayers by early 2026.
“As the first state agency to make the move from State Center to the Central Business District, I hope and believe that we’re really paving the way for other departments and private entities to follow, contributing to the economic and cultural resurgence of downtown Baltimore,” said Leirman.
For now, Marylanders can make requests for Maryland Vehicle Administration (MVA) certification and license hold release letters. Eligible taxpayers can receive free tax preparation services at the new location. However, until phase two renovations are complete in spring 2024, they must go to the State Center Complex for individual collections and audits, business collections and audits, hearings and appeals and unclaimed property.
Lierman said the relocation was a team effort and thanked government officials, including Lieutenant Gov. Aruna Miller, Baltimore Mayor Brandon M. Scott, Atif T. Chaudhry, secretary of the Maryland Department of General Services; and Faith Leach, chief administrative officer for the city of Baltimore.
During the event, Miller doubled down on her shared vision with Governor Wes Moore of reimagining state government in a way that benefits all Maryland residents. She said this transformation begins in Baltimore.
Miller touted the city’s recent recognition as one of the fastest-growing economies in the country and federal tech hub designation, which she said will spark economic opportunity in Baltimore.
“The heartbeat of these opportunities resonate right here in the Central Business District, emphasizing the need for our state government—particularly, the Comptroller’s Officer, which plays such a key role in determining the economic footprint in our state— to be strategically placed in this epicenter,” said Miller.
Tax season officially begins on Jan. 29. Individuals have until April 15 to file their tax returns.
Megan Sayles is a Report For America corps member.
