The 'Tax Refunder Of Maryland' Says These Money Moves Are A No-Brainer

January 26, 2026, marked the first day of tax season for the United States, meaning Americans have between that day and April 15 to file their 2025 taxes. However, having the option to file your taxes doesn't necessarily mean it's a good idea to do so straight away. After all, experts warn that rushing to get your taxes done can lead to mistakes or missing information. Tax professionals across the board suggest waiting at least until you've received all of the documents you anticipate needing for your annual filing task, such as your W-2, investment account statements, interest statements from your bank, and any other relevant forms linked to your income. There are several behaviors that can increase your audit risk and further complicate your annual filing, but there are also ways to keep the process simple and straightforward with the right planning.

One tax expert, Maryland Comptroller Brooke Lierman, told WTOP in the days after tax season opened for business that there are two key money moves all consumers should utilize when filing. Known as the "tax refunder of Maryland," she sees her job not just as an accounting and tax collection position, but as an essential resource to those in her community. For Lierman, two of the most important steps you can take to achieve a strong financial position in 2026 are filing your taxes online and leveraging tax holidays. In addition to making paying your taxes more convenient, these tips could potentially save you significant amounts of money, time, and stress.

Online tax filing has been the norm for years. There are even ways to file your taxes for free despite the fact that the IRS recently rescinded its Direct File option. By filling out the necessary forms online and eFiling, you minimize the risk of making errors. Naturally, with fewer errors in your paperwork, there are fewer hurdles standing between you and your refund — a figure the IRS reports averaged $3,167 in 2025. Filing online means the IRS will receive your forms essentially instantaneously, while sending your tax documents by mail could mean a lengthier wait time. Lierman notes that it can take 17 days at minimum for Maryland residents to get their refund when filing a paper return, but that timeline drops to two or three days when you file online. The same massive discrepancy can be seen at the federal level: The IRS predicts a 21-day waiting period for eFiled returns, while paper filings may take over twice that amount of time to be deposited.

Lierman also encourages consumers to hold off on making large purchases until an annual tax holiday period if at all possible. For example, in 2026, residents and out-of-state shoppers alike can purchase qualifying energy efficient appliances in Maryland without the state's typical 6% sales tax between February 14 and February 16. Other states run similar tax holidays — often over weekends — and shopping during these periods can be a great way to keep more of your money in your own pocket.