Wednesday, April 10, 2013
Maryland Comptroller Peter Franchot is encouraging residents to file taxes online.
April 15 is fast approaching, and Maryland Comptroller Peter Franchot, whose office is responsible for collecting state taxes, is making the rounds. Watch the video above to hear why Franchot is encouraging Marylanders to file their taxes electronically. If you need help with your Maryland tax return, employees at the Upper Marlboro and Landover branches of the comptroller's office will prepare it for you for free, as well as transmit it electronically.
Friday, January 11, 2013
Peter Franchot dropped in Friday to the College Park eatery, which has been feeding hungry locals and college kids since 1994.
Plato's Diner, normally a haunt for hungry college kids and loyal College Park locals, was the scene of a ceremonial visit on Friday by Maryland Comptroller Peter Franchot. Franchot praised the diner as a staple of College Park life and an example of the positive impact small businesses can have. "Small businesses are the heart and soul of the Maryland economy," Franchot said. Prince George's County Councilman Eric Olson, a regular at Plato's, said it was the go-to place to eat nearby. "If you want to see anyone in College Park, you come here," Olson said. Though Plato's opened in 1994, it was previously a Bob's Big Boy and an original Howard Johnson, so the space has been serving breakfast to College Park since 1963, owner Tony Akaras …
Thursday, January 3, 2013
State Comptroller Peter Franchot says Sunday's matchups in Landover and Baltimore will bring in $2.5 million each.
While Sunday's football schedule is shaping up to be a dream day for fans of the Washington Redskins and Baltimore Ravens, it's also a financial boon for the state. The Redskins and Ravens games—each hosting Sunday's NFL wild card round playoffs—are expected to net approximately $2.5 million in taxes for Maryland, state comptroller Peter Franchot told The Washington Post. Franchot said the increase in taxes is expected to come from "sales of high-priced playoff tickets, souvenirs, and concessions as well as taxes on bonuses for players and coaches," among other places, according to the report. “When both teams are in the playoffs, there’s a synergistic impact where folks just feel better in Maryland, and when folks feel better there’s more…
Wednesday, December 19, 2012
Married same-sex couples who reside in Maryland can file jointly in 2014.
Same-sex married couples in Maryland will be able to file joint tax returns but they'll have to wait a year to do so. Comptroller Peter Franchot said Wednesday in a statement that "same-sex couples in the State of Maryland – whether married in this state or in other states – will have the opportunity to file joint tax returns for Tax Year 2013, and will receive the same state tax treatment as any married couple." The comptroller issued the statement a day after a Washington Times story reported that same-sex couples in Maryland would not be eligible to file jointly. Franchot said the story "contained significant misinformation regarding the tax filing status of same-sex couples in Maryland." That story raises questions about Maryland's tax…
Wednesday, December 12, 2012
It's a no-go for Franchot. Who should step in?
Comptroller Peter Franchot, who was expected to run for governor in 2014, announced Tuesday he would not seek the post. Franchot, whose criticism of Gov. Martin O’Malley led many to believe he would run, instead announced he would seek to retain his current position. But just because Franchot won’t run, doesn’t mean there won’t be a crowded primary field. Other Democrats who may seek the office include Lt. Gov. Anthony Brown, Del. Heather Mizeur, Attorney General Doug Gansler and Howard County Executive Ken Ulman. What Democrat would you like to see make a run for the state’s top office? Tell us why in comments.
Tuesday, December 11, 2012
Democrat says he will seek re-election to the state comptroller's post he's held since 2006.
State Comptroller Peter Franchot told supporters Tuesday that he will seek re-election to the position he's held since 2006. The state's top tax collector was rumored to be eyeing a run for governor in 2014. In emails and calls to supporters, Franchot said he has decided to forego that campaign. Stay with Patch for updates on this story.
Wednesday, November 28, 2012
Comptroller kicked off 'Shop Maryland for the Holidays' campaign by patronizing downtown Bethesda businesses Wednesday.
Maryland Comptroller Peter Franchot kicked off his “Shop Maryland for the Holidays” tour in Bethesda Wednesday, encouraging Marylanders to get offline and get into local stores, Bethesda Patch reported. Franchot said in a statement that he hopes his tour will help boost the local economy, by helping those employed by the retail sector. “There is something to be said for the personal interactions with other shoppers and store employees at the holidays. It’s warm and inviting, unlike a cold, unfeeling computer,” Franchot said in a statement. Read the full story on Bethesda Patch.
Monday, November 5, 2012
Prince George's County Executive Rushern L. Baker III and Maryland Comptroller Peter Franchot face off on Question 7 before voters decide the gambling question Tuesday.
Maryland's Question 7 is one of the most controversial ballot initiatives facing voters when they head to the polls Tuesday, and it hits close to home in the Washington, DC, area. A top proponent and a leading opponent of Maryland's gambling provision argue their positions in Patch's Local Voices section. Prince George's County Executive Rushern L. Baker III is in favor of gambling expansion, while Maryland Comptroller Peter Franchot is in opposition. "Arguments for the facility echo the ones I have made: that it will create jobs, generate revenue, and establish a destination with world class amenities that serves both residents and tourists," Baker wrote. "The “staggering hypocrisy” of casino owners funding an anti-casino referendum was …
Thursday, October 18, 2012
How will you vote on the Congressional redistricting plan on Nov. 6?
In addition to more notable referendum questions such as same-sex marriage, DREAM Act and expanded gambling, Maryland voters will also be asked to decide the fate of the state's recently redrawn congressional districts. Earlier this week, Comptroller Peter Franchot announced he intends to vote against the maps and asked voters to do the same. The comptroller said the recent maps drawn by Gov. Martin O'Malley and approved by the General Assembly are unfair and make Maryland "the poster child for gerrymandering." A spokeswoman for the governor noted that the maps have survived a number of challenges in the courts and that the process used to create them is legally sound. Voters on Nov. 6 will be asked to vote for the referred law or against …
Tuesday, October 16, 2012
Comptroller says Maryland "is the poster child for gerrymandering" and urges voters to vote no on Question 5.
Democratic Comptroller Peter Franchot said Monday he supports his party's candidates but that recent redistricting of Maryland's congressional is too heavy-handed. "This map is way over the edge in terms of bare-knuckle politics," said Franchot. "I'm a proud Democrat. I support Democrats. I just want it to be fair and not fixed," Franchot said, comparing the redistricting process to "Boss Tweed-style Chicago politics." Franchot Tuesday called for an independent, non-partisan commission that would redraw the congressional and state legislative districts. The change would help restore faith in the political system, he said. The comptroller said the districts should be more compact in order to provide voters with better representation. He …
Ken Montville
10:50 am on Saturday, January 12, 2013
Peter Franchot is a great guy and a good comptroller. He'll also make a great Governor one day. It's a shame he isn't running in the next election but I understand the opposition is formidable and while he may not be as "polished" as some of the other candidates, he has great ideas on taking the State in the right direction.   more ›