Three weeks after kicking off the 2024 session of Maryland's General Assembly with its annual CPA Day in Annapolis, the Maryland Association of CPAs returned to the state capital on Feb. 8 to testify before the House Ways and Means Committee in favor of a pair of important bills.

MACPA CEO Rebekah Olson, CPA, testified on a panel alongside state Comptroller Brooke Lierman in favor of House Bill 455, “Electronic Tax and Fee Return Filing Requirements.” The bill would establish a timeline for both business tax filings and personal income tax filings to be submitted electronically. CPAs are well-versed in the requirements of electronic filing and understand that it expedites processing times and ensures a faster distribution of refunds while also reducing the potential for errors. The MACPA endorses this important step toward modernizing the Comptroller’s Office and creating a more transparent and efficient tax collection process.

Meanwhile, MACPA State Tax Committee member Karen Syrylo, CPA, traveled to Annapolis on Feb. 8 to provide testimony on HB 454, "Disclosure of Tax Information -- Tax Compliance Activity and Binding Data Use Agreements." The proposed legislation aims to authorize the comptroller to share privileged tax information with third parties assisting the state in tax compliance activity. The MACPA’s current stance on the bill is "Favorable with Amendments." The association has held discussions with the Comptroller’s Office regarding some concerns with parts of the bill, and we appreciate their willingness to collaborate with CPAs on amendments. We look forward to an amended bill that CPAs can fully support.

Pictured above: MACPA CEO Rebekah Olson (second from left) and MACPA State Tax Committee member Karen Syrylo (far right) join Maryland Comptroller Brooke Lierman (far left) on Feb. 8 in testifying before the House Ways and Means Committee.

The MACPA’s Legislative Team will continue to monitor legislation as the session progresses, and will continue to advocate on behalf of Maryland’s CPA profession. Keep track of proposed legislation that impacts the profession on the MACPA's Advocacy page.