Many states, including Maryland, have expanded their state-level earned income tax credits (EITCs) and child tax credits (CTCs) in recent years. However, accessing these tax benefits can be challenging for residents facing both informational and service barriers. In partnership with the Comptroller of Maryland, we analyzed where and why Marylanders may be missing out on the state’s largest income tax credits they are eligible for and offer solutions on how to increase the uptake of state tax benefits.
In this report, we detail our methods and findings from the three-phase, mixed-methods research project, wherein we interviewed Maryland’s government and community leaders, analyzed de-identified and aggregated state tax data, and conducted focus groups with households across the state. Findings from each phase informed a set of strategies for state and local officials, community leaders, and tax service providers across the country with actionable next steps to improve the uptake of state tax benefits.
