Welcome!
April 5, 2024
Resource Partner:
Maryland Comptrollers Office
Topic: Small Business Resources
Governor’s Office of
Small, Minority & Women Business Affairs
https://gomdsmallbiz.maryland.gov
• Connect small, minority,
women & veteran-owned
businesses to greater
economic opportunities
• Host online resources for
small business growth
and development
• Oversight, monitoring, and
compliance of three
state socioeconomic
procurement programs across
70 state agencies/departments
• Conduct statewide outreach and
training programs
Maryland Socioeconomic Procurement Programs
www.goMDsmallbiz.maryland.gov
Small Business
Reserve (SBR)
Program
• Prime contracting
program
• Based on size. State-
defined small
business eligibility
standards apply
• Online certification
process (eMMA)
Veteran-Owned Small
Business Enterprise
(VSBE) Program
• Subcontracting
program
• Based on verified
Veteran status & size
• Online certification
(eMMA) with a 3 Step
Process
Minority Business
Enterprise (MBE)
Program
• Subcontracting
program
• Race and gender
specific
• Application-based
certification process at
OMBE under MDOT
MBEs and VSBEs are encouraged to perform as a prime contractor.
Meet Our Guest Speakers
Laura Gutierrez
Director of Small Business
& Community Engagement
Ana M. Garay
Deputy Director
Branch Operations
Taxpayer Services Division
Comptroller of Maryland
Small Biz Resource
Connection
T.I.P.S. Webinar
04.05.2024
FY 2024 Budget Highlights
To work in partnership to create a state that is more
equitable, more resilient, and more prosperous so that every
Marylander can reach their full potential.
About the Comptroller of Maryland:
The Comptroller is one of three independently elected statewide
officials in Maryland.
The Comptroller of Maryland is the elected Chief Financial Officer
for the state, as well as the revenue administrator and tax law
enforcement agency, general accountant for all state agencies
and universities, and regulator of the state’s motor fuel industries.
Additionally, the Comptroller serves on various state boards and
commissions, including the Board of Public Works and the
Maryland State Retirement and Pension System.
Vision
FY 2024 Budget Highlights
Implement critical agency-wide improvements to help our state
government work better
• Right-size the agency, including reorganizing the leadership
structure, to provide greater accountability, internal oversight, and
success.
• Invest in our workforce – from increasing positions, salaries, and
training opportunities to improving the physical work environment – to
ensure that we can recruit and retain high-performing and dedicated
team members who feel valued and supported while also being
positively challenged to do this important work
• Modernize technology across the agency so that all Maryland
residents and businesses, as well as state agencies, can interact
more efficiently with the Office of the Comptroller and access our
services, data and other resources with ease
• Foster a culture of belonging throughout the Office by embedding our
core principles of inclusion, diversity, equity, and accessibility in
decision-making, policies and practice
Priorities
FY 2024 Budget Highlights
Ensure that resources and expertise of the Office create
opportunity for and make positive impact on Maryland families,
communities and businesses
• Use technology to increase transparency around state spending and the
state procurement process, including payments to state vendors and
contractors
• Ensure that the Office is using data to drive decision-making, and use the
data generated or accessible by the agency to create reports that inform
policy decisions both internal and external to the Office of the Comptroller
• Engage in robust public engagement to better connect families,
communities, local governments, and businesses across Maryland with
the agency for assistance with services, including: filing taxes, accessible
tax credits, obtaining legal guidance, setting up payment plans, and
more, while also ensuring that the Office continues to develop new
resources as needed by the public.
• Responsibly steward our tax dollars through improved oversight, data
transparency, and targeted outreach and engagement to increase state
procurement with our minority business enterprises and small
businesses.
Priorities
FY 2024 Budget Highlights
Ensure Maryland is well-positioned for responsible long term
economic growth and success.
• Modernize and simplify Maryland’s tax collection process
• Enhance equity in tax administration by analyzing data on audits and
uptake of various tax credits (among other factors) by various populations
• Work to close the wealth gap and invest in disadvantaged communities
through targeted procurement programs, efforts to diversify asset
managers within the pension system, expanded free tax preparation
services, and more
• Evaluate climate impact and sustainability of state spending and
investment
• Support the development of responsible and equitable investment
policies and practices
• Analyze the well-being of Maryland’s economy and revenue structure on
a regular basis and clearly communicate economic and fiscal trends to
audiences across the state
Priorities
Vision
To give us a user-friendly system that provides a single-view of the taxpayer so that we can deliver
better customer service to the taxpayers of Maryland.
Mission
The mission of the Compass Division is to be instrumental in the innovation of the Comptroller’s Office
by being leaders in the Agency’s organizational transformation. We will drive modernization and
change, improve business processes, and deliver superior services to the COM and to the taxpayers of
Maryland.
Vision
To create a user-friendly system that provides a single-view of the taxpayer
in order to deliver better customer service to the taxpayers of Maryland.
Mission
The mission of the Compass Division is to be instrumental in the innovation
of the Comptroller’s Office by being leaders in the Agency’s organizational
transformation. They will drive modernization and change, improve business
processes, and deliver superior services to the COM and to the taxpayers of
Maryland.
Compass:
Modernization Overhaul
Vision
To give us a user-friendly system that provides a single-view of the taxpayer so that we can deliver
better customer service to the taxpayers of Maryland.
Mission
The mission of the Compass Division is to be instrumental in the innovation of the Comptroller’s Office
by being leaders in the Agency’s organizational transformation. We will drive modernization and
change, improve business processes, and deliver superior services to the COM and to the taxpayers of
Maryland.
Current systems are in older technology /
mainframe
Current System (Sample screen)
Project history…
2017
Project
foundation
• Project analysis
• BSGI selected for
Project
Management
Services
2019
2020
2021
2024+
2018
Procurement
Started
• RFP Released
• Change
Ambassadors
program started
with 80+
Employees
Vendor Selected
• RSI selected as
implementation
partner
Release 2, & 3
• Multiple Tax Types
(Over 19 tax types)
• Cannabis
• Self Service Portal
• Workpaper Toolkit
• MeF
Release 1B
• Corporate Tax
goes live
Release 1A
• Alcohol Tax goes live
2022
PM Partner
• Serigor selected as
Project
Management and
IT services partner
• BSGI Selected for
change
management
FY 2024 Budget Highlights
What it will be able to do?
✓ Modernize current systems that are difficult to maintain and update
✓ Enable efficient tax processing and collection necessary to support the
Agency’s Strategic Goals
✓ Provide public services that achieve the high level of customer satisfaction
✓ Enhance business processes using modern technology and improved
infrastructure
✓ Vigorously enforce tax laws for protection and fair treatment of all taxpayers
✓ Adopt legislative changes rapidly which are difficult in the current set of
systems
✓ Provide an online portal that enables taxpayers to view their tax and liability
information, set up electronic payments, and self-serve
✓ Maximize security and compliance with easier and faster adoption of Security
standards
✓ Enhanced decision analytics and reporting capabilities
FY 2024 Budget Highlights
Data in Data Warehouse (DW)
RPE
RPE data will maximize the use of COM data for Bureau of Revenue Estimates (BRE)
purposes
Data
Warehouse
Reporting
Forecasting
Analytics
Fraud Detection
• Forecasting State revenues
• Monitoring and explaining revenue performance
• Estimate the impact of State and Federal legislation on State
revenues
• Provides statistical reports on State revenues, reports on
tax/revenue issues required of the COM by the General Assembly
• Fraud Detection and Fraud Modeling used for refund processing
• Tax year information for various tax types
• Use results of data analytics to influence tax processing (e.g. audit
selection)
FY 2024 Budget Highlights
Benefits
Automated returns
processing, license
renewal, & billing
means ease of use
& faster processing
Simplified plain
language in
correspondence
& notices means
ease of
compliance
Improved
Customer
Service through
single view of
the taxpayer
FY 2024 Budget Highlights
Benefits to Taxpayers
• Entity Registration
• Licensing and Inventory Management
• Returns and Payments Processing
• Taxpayer Accounting
• Refund Processing
• Billing and Collection
• Revenue Accounting
• Case Management
• Correspondence
• Content Management
• Reporting
• Application Administration
• Unclaimed Property
• Online Services / Portal
• Customer Relationship Management
• Data Warehouse Integration
• Interfaces with external partners
RPE
RSI Product
End to end tax processing and tax
administration
FY 2024 Budget Highlights
• February 6
th
marked the launch of our new Maryland Tax
Connect Portal
• New public facing self-service portal that allows
Marylanders to file their taxes online with increased ease
and security, enabling taxpayers to interact with the
Comptroller’s office more efficiently.
• Marylandtaxes.gov/MDTaxConnect
• Questions: mdtaxconnecthelp@marylandtaxes.gov
Maryland Tax Connect
Maryland Tax Connect Sign ups – 137,000 users
Statistics:
Maryland Tax Connect launched on February 6, 2024. Below are some key statistics
so far.
Business tax returns filed – 183,000
Business tax payments received – 80,000
PIN letters generated – 703,625
• Register a Business in Maryland with CRA Wizard
• Maryland SUTEC application Wizard
• Guest File options available for filing SUT, Withholding and
A&A returns. What is needed to file as a guest?
✓ Business FEIN, Business Name and Account type.
• Guest Pay options are available for paying existing liabilities.
What is needed to pay as a guest?
✓ Business FEIN or CRN and Billing Reference Number.
• Taxpayers are encouraged to register as a Maryland Tax
Connect User once they have received a PIN letter.
✓ Add Authorized Users.
✓ View account summary, filing history and balances.
✓ Files business tax forms.
✓ Make payments on account balances and existing
liabilities.
✓ View correspondence (Last 12 months).
✓ Renew Motor Fuel, Slot Machine License and SUT
exemption certificates.
✓ Submit a Service Request (upload documentation or
request general information).
Registered User - Key Features
Non-Registered - Key Features or Guest Options
Vision
To give us a user-friendly system that provides a single-view of the taxpayer so that we can deliver
better customer service to the taxpayers of Maryland.
Mission
The mission of the Compass Division is to be instrumental in the innovation of the Comptroller’s Office
by being leaders in the Agency’s organizational transformation. We will drive modernization and
change, improve business processes, and deliver superior services to the COM and to the taxpayers of
Maryland.
Who can register for a Maryland Tax Connect account?
1. Business Administrators – Business owners or anyone responsible for
overseeing the business operations and/or finances. These users are
required to enter their FEIN and a unique PIN generate out of RPE. PINs are
mailed to business taxpayers.
2. Authorized Users – A third party responsible for handling the businesses
tax matters (CPA, Attorney, Consultant, etc.) The third party is required to
provide their User ID and registration confirmation number to the business
administrator. The business administrator with then grant access.
3. Government Agencies – Government parties can complete compliance
checks for businesses. Before the government user can access Maryland Tax
Connect, this requires approval from the internal team responsible for
handling compliance check.
4. Bulk Transmitters – Vendors who file bulk Withholding and Sales and Use
tax filings. This will also be used for W2/1099 bulk submissions in January
2025.
Registration Types:
Vision
To give us a user-friendly system that provides a single-view of the taxpayer so that we can deliver
better customer service to the taxpayers of Maryland.
Mission
The mission of the Compass Division is to be instrumental in the innovation of the Comptroller’s Office
by being leaders in the Agency’s organizational transformation. We will drive modernization and
change, improve business processes, and deliver superior services to the COM and to the taxpayers of
Maryland.
What’s Happening Now
R2-Business
Taxes
Target Q1 2024
R2-Business
Portal
Target Q1 2024
• Sales & Use Tax
• Tobacco Tax
• Motor Fuel
• Withholding
• Admissions & Amusement Tax
• Boxing and Wrestling
• Tire Fee
• Transportation Network Fee
• Bay Restoration Fee
• Cannabis
• Securely file returns, reports, schedules and Pay
electronically
• View historically filed returns and payments
• Obtain permits and renew licenses
• Account Management
• Change address
• View account balances
• Download electronic copies of correspondence
• Submit service requests to inquire about a tax matter
• Delegate access to authorized parties to manage
designated tax functions on your behalf
FY 2024 Budget Highlights
What’s Next
• Personal Income Tax (PIT)
• Pass-Through Entity (PTE)
• Fiduciary Tax
• Estate Tax
• Unclaimed Property
• International Fuel Tax Agreement (IFTA)
R3-PIT
Target 2025 - 2026
FY 2024 Budget Highlights
Key Bridge Collapse Support:
• All business tax filing penalty and interests will be
waived through May 31
st
, 2024.
• IFTA Waivers - Decal Requirements Waived Temporarily
for Trucks Transporting Freight to and from the Port of
Baltimore. IFTA licensees must file on or before June 30,
2024 to be granted this relief.
Small Business
Support
FY 2024 Budget Highlights
• Actively exploring new ways to enhance support and
resources for the business community.
• Developing materials in partnership with other state
agencies that provide resources and information for
business in a streamlined manner.
• Collaborating across agencies to update all of the tax
credits and incentives available for small businesses
across Maryland.
• Meeting MBE, SBR, and VSBE Goals in Procurement.
• Reviewing and analyzing internal and external data and
reports to better understand to better serve the
business community
• Business Call Center
• Reverse Business Call Center (Maryland Tax Connect)
Small Business Priorities:
Vision
To give us a user-friendly system that provides a single-view of the taxpayer so that we can deliver
better customer service to the taxpayers of Maryland.
Mission
The mission of the Compass Division is to be instrumental in the innovation of the Comptroller’s Office
by being leaders in the Agency’s organizational transformation. We will drive modernization and
change, improve business processes, and deliver superior services to the COM and to the taxpayers of
Maryland.
R2-Business
Taxes
Target Q1 2024
R2-Business
Portal
Target Q1 2024
Resources
www.marylandtaxes.gov/mdtaxconnect
www.mdtaxconnect.gov
• Reverse Call Center
FY 2024 Budget Highlights
Portal Navigation Webinars
Tax Incentives
and Credits
FY 2024 Budget Highlights
www.marylandtaxes.gov/tax-credits
• Tax credits are an amount that taxpayers can claim on tax returns to reduce the
amount of tax they owe.
• There are a range of tax credits available for individuals and businesses, and all are
processed by the Office of the Comptroller.
• To qualify for some, you might need to receive pre-approval from the department or
agency administers the credit.
• For tax years beginning after December 31, 2012, you must file your tax return
electronically in order to claim a business tax credit unless you submit a waiver from
the electronic filing requirement. To request a waiver from filing the Form 500CR
electronically, you must submit a completed Form 500CRW Waiver Request For
Electronic Filing of Form 500CR and it must be attached to Form 500CR in the filing
of your return.
Business Tax Credits:
FY 2024 Budget Highlights
www.marylandtaxes.gov/tax-credits
Refundable vs. Nonrefundable
tax credits:
Some tax credits are refundable. If a taxpayer's tax bill is less than the amount of a
refundable credit, they can get the difference back in their refund. Some taxpayers
who aren't required to file may still want to do so to claim refundable tax credits. Not
all tax credits are refundable, however.
For nonrefundable tax credits, once a taxpayer's liability is zero, the taxpayer won't
get any leftover amount back as a refund.
There are a wide range of tax credits, and the amount and types available can vary by
tax year. Taxpayers should carefully review current tax credits when preparing their
tax return.
Source: IRS
FY 2024 Budget Highlights
Funding Program Name
Category
Biotechnology Investment Incentive Tax Credit
Biotechnology
Brownfields Tax Incentive
Location
-Based, General
Buy Maryland Cybersecurity (BMC) Tax Credit
Cybersecurity
Data Center Maryland Sales and Use Tax Exemption Incentive Program
Technology
Employer Security Clearances Costs (ESCC) Tax Credit
Cybersecurity
Enterprise Zone (EZ) Tax Credits
Location
-Based, General
Film Production Tax Credit
Tourism, Film and the Arts
Hire Our Veterans Tax Credit
Veteran/Military
Innovation Investment Tax Credit
Agriculture,
Technology, Startup, Research, Higher
Education,
Energy, Cybersecurity, Biotechnology
Job Creation Tax Credit
Job Creation,
General
Maryland Commuter Tax Credit
General
Maryland Opportunity Zone Enhancement Credits (State Program)
Location
-Based, General
Maryland Opportunity Zones (Federal Program)
Location
-Based, General
More Jobs for Marylanders
Manufacturing,
Job Creation
One Maryland Tax Credit
General
Regional Institution Strategic Enterprise (RISE) Zone Program
Location
-Based, Job Creation
Research and Development Tax Credit
Research
Small Business Relief Tax Credit
Small Business
Theatrical Production Tax Credit
Tourism, Film and the Arts
FY 2024 Budget Highlights
Claim Tax Credits through:
• Form 500
• Form 500CR (electronic filing)
• Form 500CRW (paper filing)
• Form 510/511
• Form 500CR
• Form MD K-1
• Form 502/505
• Form 502CR/500CR
• Form MD- K-1
• Some of these credits contain carryover or recapture provisions and, in some cases,
you may have to seek certification from another state agency.
• Consult with a Tax Professional or refer to call us at 1-800-MDTAXES.
Links shared during the webinar
Appointments:
https://appointmentsmdtaxconnect.as.me/schedule.php
Maryland tax connect webinars:
bit.ly/MTCRSVP24
Access Maryland Tax Connect homepage at
www.mdtaxconnect.gov
For information regarding each of the tax credits,
please refer to the agency’s preferred point of contact:
Department of Commerce:
taxincen[email protected]
State Department of Assessment and Taxation:
taxcredits@dat.state.md.us
Maryland Energy Administration:
meainfo@energy.state.md.us
Department of Housing and Community Development:
citc@mdhousing.org,
citc.nr@mdhousing.org
endowmaryland.nr@maryland.gov
goMDsmallbiz.maryland.gov
Resources
Maryland APEX Accelerators
https://www.mdptac.org/
Greater Baltimore SCORE
https://greaterbaltimore.score.org/
Maryland Women’s Business Center
(MWBC)
https://marylandwbc.org/
Baltimore-Metro Women’s Business Center
(Balt-Metro WBC)
https://www.baltmetrowbc.org/
Maryland Small Business Development
Center (SBDC)
https://www.marylandsbdc.org/
Governor’s Office of Small, Minority & Women Business
Affairs
https://gomdsmallbiz.maryland.gov/Pages/default.aspx
Maryland’s Office of Minority Business Enterprise (OMBE)
https://www.mdot.maryland.gov/tso/pages/Index.aspx?
PageId=90
Maryland Department of Commerce
Maryland Financial Incentives for Business
https://commerce.knack.com/maryland-funding-
incentives
Maryland Entrepreneur HUB
https://marylandentrepreneurhub.com/
Partners
