ANNAPOLIS, Md. (January 28, 2026) — Comptroller Brooke E. Lierman joined Governor Wes Moore and Treasurer Dereck Davis today for a meeting of the Board of Public Works.
During the meeting, the Board of Public Works approved more than $248 million in spending, including a $500,000 retroactive contract modification from the Maryland State Department of Education to modify the Kindergarten Readiness Assessment to include assessments developed specifically for students who are Deaf or Hard of Hearing, as well as students who are Blind and Visually Impaired.
During her closing remarks, Comptroller Lierman took the opportunity to highlight the opening of tax season this week. Comptroller Lierman explained that the first week of tax season involves testing fraud detection models and other systems to ensure efficient and accurate returns processing. She encouraged Marylanders to file their returns electronically, to avoid delays and keep their information secure.
The Office of the Comptroller processed an estimated 3 million returns for tax year 2024 and issued an estimated $3 billion in refunds to more than 2 million taxpayers.
Comptroller Lierman also shared that this will be the final tax season in a COBEL-based processing system before launching personal income tax filing through Maryland Tax Connect. This new, modern tax processing system will allow for individuals to file returns, pay their taxes electronically, track their interactions with the agency, and set up payment plans.
Marylanders who need assistance filing their taxes or resolving a tax issue have several convenient options. They can visit www.MarylandComptroller.gov/help to access the MyCOMConnect portal for secure, convenient online support.?
Taxpayers also have the option to call the Taxpayer Services Division at 1-800-MDTAXES (1-800-638-2937) toll-free between 8:30 a.m. and 6:00 p.m. between February 2 and April 15, 2026. ?
Filers can also visit or schedule a virtual appointment with one of the 11 Comptroller of Maryland branch offices across Maryland. The offices include a new location in Baltimore County and an office in Bel Air that is expected to open in February. Walk-ins are welcome at all locations; however, tax preparation appointments must be scheduled online at www.marylandcomptroller.gov.
In all, the Board of Public Works approved 104 items, representing a total State expenditure of $248,517,402.11. This includes:
- Grant agreements for 26 recipients for 28 projects located in 10 counties and Baltimore City with a total value of $14,605,415.
- 10 items awarding $14,822,041.75 to certified small business primes.
- Five items awarding $15,201,695 to certified minority business enterprise primes.
- 16 items awarded with established participation goals for minority business enterprises.
- Five items awarded with an established participation goal for veteran-owned small business enterprises.
Meeting documents for today’s meeting can be found here.
The next meeting of the Board of Public Works will be held on Wednesday, February 18, 2026.
