Tax Assistance for Low-Income Marylanders - Funding

HB 451 directs the state Comptroller to allocate $500,000 annually from abandoned property funds to a specific fund supporting tax clinics for low-income Marylanders starting in fiscal year 2025. The bill also requires the Governor to increase budget funding for the CASH Campaign of Maryland to $800,000 per year beginning in fiscal year 2026, with a portion of these funds designated for grants to external organizations. These grants will support on-demand and mobile tax clinics that serve senior populations, rural communities, and other under-resourced areas, ensuring these clinics report their activities to the CASH Campaign at least quarterly. Ultimately, the legislation aims to expand free tax preparation services and financial education for low-income residents while updating the legal framework governing these funds and programs.