Maryland state officials are turning to mobile phones to ensure thousands of low-to-moderate income residents don’t leave money on the table this tax season. The Maryland Department of Human Services has launched a targeted outreach campaign, sending Maryland Earned Income Tax Credit text messages to residents who may be eligible for the benefit but have not yet claimed it.
The initiative comes as a response to a persistent gap in benefit uptake. According to Colin Murphy, deputy chief of staff at the Maryland Department of Human Services, nearly 15% of eligible taxpayers failed to claim the credit last year. That represents approximately 70,000 people who missed out on financial support specifically designed to supplement their earnings.
The state estimates that as many as 500,000 Marylanders could qualify for the credit. For those who do, the financial impact is significant; Murphy noted that the credit “can reduce your tax bill by up to $4,000 or it can increase your refund by that amount.”
Overcoming the “Phishing” Hurdle
Even as text messaging provides a direct line to taxpayers, state officials are acutely aware of the rise in digital fraud. In an era of rampant smishing—SMS phishing—there is a significant risk that residents will delete the notification, fearing it is a scam designed to steal their personal information.
To combat this, the Department of Human Services implemented specific safeguards to establish trust. Murphy explained that the state consciously avoided asking for any personal data within the text message itself. Instead, the messages direct users to an official “.gov” website to verify the information and learn more about the process.
“Second, we put a separate section up on our website explaining this, so that if somebody Googles it, they can discover out that it’s a legitimate thing,” Murphy said. The state is also deploying the message across multiple digital platforms to increase familiarity and legitimacy through repetition.
Who is Eligible for the Maryland EITC?
The Earned Income Tax Credit is designed to provide a operate incentive for low-income individuals, and families. Eligibility is primarily determined by earned income and filing status, with the thresholds varying based on the number of qualifying children in the household.
For those at the lower conclude of the income scale, eligibility generally falls between $19,104 and $26,214 annually, depending on whether the taxpayer files as single, head of household, widowed, or married. The credit is intentionally flexible to capture a wide range of workers, including those who may have only worked part-time.
“This can apply definitely to families with children, and then also to somebody who might have worked part time, maybe only earned about $10,000 last year, would still be eligible for this,” Murphy said.
For larger families, the income ceilings are considerably higher to account for the increased cost of dependents. For households with three or more children, the income limits range from $61,555 to $68,675.
| Taxpayer Profile | Estimated Income Range |
|---|---|
| Lower-end Qualifiers (Various Statuses) | $19,104 – $26,214 |
| Families with 3+ Children | $61,555 – $68,675 |
| Part-time Workers (Example) | Approx. $10,000 |
The Impact on Household Budgets
The push to increase claim rates is not merely an administrative goal but a response to current economic pressures. With inflation affecting essential goods and housing, the state views the EITC as a critical tool for poverty alleviation and financial stability.
Murphy emphasized that the tax credit represents “real money” at a time when household budgets are increasingly tight. For a family earning $30,000 a year, a refund or tax reduction of several thousand dollars can be the difference between housing stability and crisis.
The Maryland EITC typically functions as a percentage of the federal Earned Income Tax Credit. As the state credit is tied to the federal one, taxpayers must generally file a federal return to qualify for the state-level benefit. This dual-requirement often contributes to the “benefit gap,” as residents who believe they don’t owe federal taxes may mistakenly believe they do not need to file a return at all, thereby forfeiting the refundable credit.
How to Verify and Claim the Credit
Residents who receive a text message or believe they are eligible are encouraged to use official channels to avoid fraud. The Maryland Comptroller’s office provides the authoritative guidelines on how to claim the credit on a state tax return.
- Check the URL: Ensure any link clicked ends in .gov.
- Avoid Data Entry in Texts: Never provide your Social Security number or bank details via a text message link.
- Consult Official Guides: Use the Comptroller’s website to verify your specific income bracket based on your filing status.
Disclaimer: This article is for informational purposes only and does not constitute financial, legal, or tax advice. Taxpayers should consult with a certified public accountant (CPA) or a licensed tax professional regarding their specific financial situation.
As the tax filing season progresses, the Department of Human Services will continue to monitor claim rates. The next critical checkpoint for taxpayers will be the federal and state filing deadlines, after which residents may still be able to file amended returns to claim the credit if they missed the initial window.
Do you have questions about the Maryland EITC or experience with the state’s outreach? Share your thoughts in the comments or share this article with someone who might be eligible.
