Maryland § 2-120

§ 2-120.

    (a)    (1)    In this section the following words have the meanings indicated.

        (2)    “Justice–involved individual” means an individual who is convicted of or pleads guilty to a crime and is currently serving or, within the immediately preceding 2 years, has been released after serving a term of imprisonment of at least 6 months but not more than 10 years in a State or federal correctional facility.

        (3)    “Program” means the Income Tax Reconciliation Program.

    (b)    There is an Income Tax Reconciliation Program in the State that is administered by the Comptroller.

    (c)    The purpose of the Program is to allow justice–involved individuals who are unable to file a State income tax return while incarcerated to:

        (1)    subject to subsection (d) of this section, establish installment payment plans to pay any unpaid income tax that is due for any taxable year during which the individual is incarcerated; and

        (2)    if approved for an installment payment plan, receive a waiver for any interest and penalties that accrue on the unpaid income tax.

    (d)    (1)    For any taxable year that begins after December 31, 2024, but before January 1, 2030, a justice–involved individual who receives a notice of assessment of income tax due for a taxable year during which the individual is incarcerated may apply to the Comptroller for an installment payment plan.

        (2)    If the Comptroller determines that the justice–involved individual is eligible to participate in the Program, the Comptroller shall establish an installment payment plan that allows the individual to pay the unpaid income tax over a period not exceeding 10 years.

        (3)    If a justice–involved individual is approved for an installment payment plan under the Program, the Comptroller shall waive any interest and penalties that accrue on the unpaid income tax due.

    (e)    (1)    To carry out the Program, the Comptroller shall:

            (i)    in collaboration with the Department of Public Safety and Correctional Services, develop an awareness campaign to inform the public and justice–involved individuals about the Program; and

            (ii)    adopt regulations.

        (2)    The regulations required under paragraph (1)(ii) of this subsection may include income limitations that establish eligibility for the Program.

    (f)    On or before December 1, 2026, and each December 1 thereafter, the Comptroller shall report to the General Assembly, in accordance with § 2–1257 of the State Government Article, on the impact of the Program.