Learn how to get your Maryland state tax refund in a few steps. Complete the process by filling out the correct tax forms, filing your return on time and ascertaining when to expect your refund to arrive.

Maryland is one of 43 states that collects an individual income tax.http://www.irs.gov/efile/article/0,,id=130684,00.html  In 1777, Maryland enacted its first income tax law, which was repealed and replaced in 1840. In 1939, taxpayers began paying the modern income tax. At the time, the tax rate was set at .5 percent.http://www.comp.state.md.us/publications/Understanding_Taxes.pdf Today, the tax rate is graduated from 2 percent to 6.25 percent, depending on income.http://individuals.marylandtaxes.com/incometax/default.asp 

The State of Maryland Department of Revenue gives refunds to the individuals who overpaid their tax liability during the previous tax year.http://forms.marylandtaxes.com/current_forms/502.pdf  For 2011, the Maryland individual income tax filing deadline is April 18.http://individuals.marylandtaxes.com/incometax/default.asp 

Choose the correct Maryland state income tax form, either Form 502, 503, 505, 505N, 505X or 515.http://individuals.marylandtaxes.com/filinginfo/whatform.asp Make sure the information you provide is complete and accurate. The Comptroller of Maryland website has many resources for taxpayers, including tax forms, schedules, instructions and other tax assistance.http://individuals.marylandtaxes.com/incometax/default.asp 

National tax preparation companies include H&R Block, Liberty Tax Service and Jackson Hewitt.http://hrblock.com/http://www.libertytax.com/default.aspxhttp://www.jacksonhewitt.com/  Some local tax preparers offer free services to Maryland residents.http://individuals.marylandtaxes.com/taxhelp/localoffices.asp 

File your Maryland state tax return electronically or by mail. The direct deposit option is available to both electronic and paper filers.http://individuals.marylandtaxes.com/filinginfo/directdeposit.asp The Comptroller of Maryland recommends electronic filing because it is easy, secure and yields the fastest tax refund. The State of Maryland's iFile service is free to taxpayers who qualify and file Forms 502, 503 or 505.http://individuals.marylandtaxes.com/filinginfo/efile.asp  

Double-check all your data before submitting your individual income tax return.

Find out when to expect your Maryland state tax refund by using the application on the Comptroller of Maryland's website. You will be required to input your social security number and the exact amount of your expected refund. Paper return processing takes approximately 30 days.https://interactive.marylandtaxes.com/INDIV/refundstatus/home.aspx Electronic returns are processed more quickly.http://individuals.marylandtaxes.com/filinginfo/efilebenefits.asp 

State income tax refund information is also accessible by telephone. Central Maryland taxpayers can call 410-260-7701 to inquire about their refund. All other Maryland taxpayers can call 800-218-8160.http://individuals.marylandtaxes.com/taxhelp/phonenum.asp