When it comes to taxes, federal rules usually get the spotlight\u2014but state taxes matter, too. State taxes can impact your bottom line, so just like your federal return, it\u2019s important to get the most money back from your state return\u2014or avoid paying too much.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Read on to learn more about some of the nuances of state taxes. <\/p>\n\n\n\n
State tax rules don\u2019t always line up with federal tax rules. For starters, not all states have an income tax<\/a>. And for states that do have state income tax, each state sets its own tax rates.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Other differences include:<\/p>\n\n\n\n In addition to their own tax rules, states may also offer specialized tax benefits. These can include credits or deductions designed to support state needs and priorities.<\/p>\n\n\n\n States may also have programs that are administered through the return filing process, meaning filing a state return is often the key to accessing those benefits. So, while you may not need to file state taxes<\/a>, it might be in your interest to do so.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Find out about a few state-level benefits below.<\/p>\n\n\n\n H&R Block can help you file your state and federal income tax returns, so you can get your maximum refund.* Whether you file on your own with H&R Block Online <\/a>or with a tax pro<\/a>, you can rely on our expertise to claim every credit and deduction you deserve.<\/p>\n\n\n\n *All tax situations are different. Not everyone gets a refund. See hrblock.com\/guarantees for complete details.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Rely on the expertise of H&R Block whether you file on your own through H&R Block Online<\/a> or file with a tax pro<\/a>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Maryland offers an Earned Income Tax Credit (EITC) up to $4,000 for eligible individuals and families. You can claim the credit whether you\u2019re getting a refund or owe taxes. The EITC can increase your refund or reduce what you owe to zero.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Your eligibility and the amount you could receive depends on several factors, including:<\/p>\n\n\n\n Generally, if you qualify for the federal Earned Income Tax Credit, you also qualify for this state credit. Additional eligible residents include those who file with an Individual Taxpayer Identification Number (ITIN) and childless adults under 25.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Parents who are residents of Maryland may be able to claim a Maryland Child Tax Credit (CTC) up to $500 for dependents under the age of 6 or for dependents with a disability under the age of 17. The credit begins to phase out for those with a federal Adjusted Gross Income over $15,000 and phases out completely at $24,000.<\/p>\n\n\n\n You can claim the Maryland EITC and CTC when you file your return with H&R Block. Whether you file with a tax pro or with H&R Block Online, we\u2019ll help you determine your eligibility and submit the necessary information as part of preparing your return.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Looking to file for free?<\/strong> With H&R Block Online, you can claim the Maryland Earned Income Tax Credit and Child Tax Credit and, if you qualify, you can file for free. <\/p>\n\n\n\n Approximately 52% of filers qualify for H&R Block Online Free Edition. Simple tax situations only (Form 1040 and no schedules except Earned Income Tax Credit, Child Tax Credit, Student Loan Interest, and Retirement Plan Distributions).<\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n View federal<\/a> and state forms<\/a> included with H&R Block Online Free.<\/p>\n\n\n\n For those interested in other Maryland benefits, such as help with food, healthcare, energy or other costs, visit MarylandBenefits.gov to see if you qualify.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Pennsylvania is now offering a new credit called the Working Pennsylvanians Tax Credit of up to $805 for eligible workers. This is a refundable state tax credit, which means it can increase your refund. It can be paid to you even if you don\u2019t owe Pennsylvania income tax. <\/p>\n\n\n\n The credit is modeled after the federal Earned Income Tax Credit (EITC) and is equal to 10% of your federal EITC. <\/p>\n\n\n\n Your eligibility and the amount you could receive depends on: <\/p>\n\n\n\n The easiest way to claim the credit is to file your federal and state tax returns electronically at the same time and claim the federal EITC. The Pennsylvania Department of Revenue will automatically calculate the WPTC if you\u2019re eligible. <\/p>\n\n\n\n Depending on your income and family size, you may qualify for a refund or reduction of your Pennsylvania income tax liability with the state\u2019s Tax Forgiveness<\/a> program. <\/p>\n\n\n\n See if you qualify for all or part of Tax Forgiveness when you file your state income tax return (and include PA Schedule SP) <\/p>\n\n\n\n You can claim Pennsylvania WPTC and Tax Forgiveness when you file your return with H&R Block. Whether you file with a tax pro or with H&R Block Online, we\u2019ll help you determine your eligibility and submit the necessary information as part of preparing your return. <\/p>\n\n\n\n Looking to file for free?<\/strong>\u202fWith H&R Block Online, you can claim the eligible Pennsylvania tax benefits, and, if you qualify, you can file for free.\u202f <\/p>\n\n\n\n Approximately 52% of filers qualify for H&R Block Online Free Edition. Simple tax situations only (Form 1040 and no schedules except Earned Income Tax Credit, Child Tax Credit, Student Loan Interest, and Retirement Plan Distributions).<\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n Visit the Pennsylvania Department of Revenue website to learn about tax-relevant benefits such as the Pennsylvania Property Tax\/Rent Rebate program<\/a> and Dependent Care Assistance<\/a>. <\/p>\n\n\n\n <\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":" When it comes to taxes, federal rules usually get the spotlight\u2014but state taxes matter, too. State taxes can impact your bottom line, so just like your federal return, it\u2019s important to get the most money back from your state return\u2014or avoid paying too much. Read on to learn more about some of the nuances of […]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":1,"featured_media":0,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"closed","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"_acf_changed":false,"footnotes":""},"categories":[125,19814],"tags":[],"class_list":["post-69032","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","hentry","category-filing","category-states"],"acf":[],"yoast_head":"\n
State specific tax benefits and programs<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
File with H&R Block to get your max refund<\/h3>
How can I get help with state tax filing?<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
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Get help filing state and federal taxes today<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
State-level tax benefits and programs<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
Maryland tax credits<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
Maryland Earned Income Tax Credit<\/h4>\n\n\n\n
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Maryland Child Tax Credit<\/h4>\n\n\n\n
How to claim the Maryland EITC and CTC<\/h4>\n\n\n\n
Other Maryland benefits<\/h4>\n\n\n\n
Pennsylvania tax benefits <\/h3>\n\n\n\n
Working Pennsylvanians Tax Credit (WPTC) <\/h4>\n\n\n\n
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Pennsylvania Tax Forgiveness program <\/h4>\n\n\n\n
How to claim Pennsylvania tax benefits\u00a0\u00a0<\/h4>\n\n\n\n
Other Pennsylvania benefits <\/h4>\n\n\n\n