“We believe this move will spark new investment in downtown Baltimore and inspire more people to make downtown Baltimore a destination for business, arts, and entertainment,” Comptroller Lierman declared. “I appreciate the partnership of the Moore-Miller administration, the Department of General Services, our new landlord KennMar, and Baltimore Mayor Brandon Scott’s team throughout this project. My team and I look forward to serving Maryland taxpayers in our new space and enjoying all our vibrant downtown offers.”

The Office of the Comptroller is the first state agency to obtain, renovate, and relocate a new office space in Baltimore following a 2021 announcement that more than 3,300 state employees from 12 different agencies would move from State Center to the Central Business District.

“This is Baltimore’s time: Baltimore was just ranked one of the fastest-growing economies in the nation, and recent announcements like the federal Tech Hub designation will create new jobs and significant economic growth,” said Lt. Governor Miller. “Moving the Comptroller’s Office to the Central Business District will allow the State of Maryland to be located at the heart of where these opportunities are. Our administration is committed to reimagining how state government works to help us win the decade – this is what that looks like in practice.” 

The new office space offers a modern and collaborative working environment for staff, updated facilities to serve customers, is highly accessible by public transit, and is walkable from other locations downtown. The new Baltimore City branch office is conveniently located near the Charles Center Metro Station, with a dedicated entrance at Saint Paul and Baltimore streets for taxpayers seeking in-person services. 

The Office of the Comptroller completed phase one of its relocation in December 2023, when taxpayer services relocated to the ground floor of 7 Saint Paul Street. Taxpayer services reopened to the public on January 2, 2024, ensuring no disruptions during tax season.

“The Department of General Services has been diligently coordinating with various state agencies to facilitate their relocation from State Center to new commercial leased space that will enable multiple service improvements for state government while enhancing the opportunity for economic growth in downtown Baltimore,” said Secretary Chaudhry. “Phase one of the Comptroller's move to Baltimore’s Central Business District comes with great pride and a sense of accomplishment; the Department is eager for the remaining state agencies to follow suit and assist in the revitalization of Baltimore’s Central Business District.”

The new location offers free Maryland tax preparation for eligible taxpayers, certified copies of tax returns, and requests for Maryland Vehicle Administration (MVA) certification and license hold release letters.

Taxpayers will continue to report to the State Center Complex for services related to individual collections and audits, business collections and audits, hearings and appeals, unclaimed property, and MVA license hold release letters until Spring 2024, when phase two renovations are complete, and additional staff relocates.

The Baltimore City branch office will span six levels and 67,000 square feet.

As the first state agency to move from State Center to downtown Baltimore, the Office of the Comptroller is paving the way for other state agencies to follow and ushering in a post-pandemic resurgence for downtown Baltimore.

"We started the process, with Mayor Scott, of reimagining downtown. What we are seeing today is a manifestation of our partnership, bringing hundreds of employees from State Center right here to the downtown core to help us chart a new path for what downtown Baltimore can be, and who we are," Leach said.

"This first arrival of state employees from the Office of the Comptroller to our Central Business District will add significantly to the renewed vitality underway for the benefit of our retailers, restaurant owners, cultural institutions, and entertainment venues,” said Stokes. “The Downtown Partnership is grateful to the Maryland state leaders who worked tirelessly to make this move a reality, and we welcome with open arms the over 5,000 state employees who will soon call Downtown Baltimore their daytime home.” 

In addition to celebrating the opening of the new Baltimore City branch office, Comptroller Lierman announced the start of the 2024 tax season on January 29, 2024, and introduced Maryland Tax Connect, a secure online portal allowing taxpayers to pay their taxes, file tax returns, and perform other functions from a computer or mobile device. The portal will launch on February 6, 2024, and will be available for all tax types in phases by 2026.

The Office of the Comptroller has 11 branch offices throughout the state that are open Monday through Friday, 8:30 a.m. – 4:30 p.m. Marylanders can find and schedule appointments at their nearest taxpayer services office or schedule a virtual appointment by visiting https://www.marylandtaxes.gov/locations.php.

Taxpayers can also call 1-800-MD-TAXES or email taxhelp@marylandtaxes.gov for assistance.