A bill, HB 451/ SB 676, is under consideration in the Maryland legislature. It aims to increase free tax and civil legal aid services for low-income residents. Many Maryland residents qualify for tax credits like the Earned Income Tax Credit, Child or Dependent Tax Credit, and Senior Tax Credit. However, they often don’t apply due to lack of resources or knowledge. The bill suggests using funds, including proceeds from the sale of abandoned property, to increase funding for Low-Income Tax Clinics. These clinics are run by the University of Baltimore, Maryland Volunteer Law Services, and the University of Maryland School of Law.
The bill also specifies that a portion of these funds should go to clinics offering on-demand tax assistance for rural, senior, and underserved communities. It requires that grant recipients ensure adequate access to tax preparation services for low-income Maryland residents. These clinics are crucial for helping vulnerable Marylanders navigate the complex tax system.