Maryland 129 Template in PDF

How to Write Maryland 129

When the need arises to obtain a copy of a Maryland tax return, individuals find themselves facing the task of completing the Maryland Request for Copy of Tax Return Form 129. The process, while detailed, is designed to ensure the confidentiality and security of personal financial information. Following step-by-step instructions simplifies the task, enabling taxpayers or their representatives to accurately request and subsequently receive the crucial documents they seek. Whether for record-keeping, legal requirements, or financial planning, completing Form 129 is a necessary step in accessing one's tax history in Maryland.

1. Print the taxpayer(s) name and mailing address as shown on the tax form for the requested year(s).
2. If applicable, check the box in 1a if requesting W-2 forms only and provide the employer’s name, address, and employer identification number on the back of Form 129 or on a separate page.
3. Enter the tax year(s) requested in section 1b.
4. Print the current mailing address in section 2. If this address is different from the one in line 1, notarization is required.
5. Enter the taxpayer’s Social Security number as shown on the tax form in section 2a.
6. For joint filers, enter the spouse's Social Security number as shown on the tax form in section 2b.
7. If the copies of the tax return(s) are to be sent to someone other than the taxpayer, enter their name, address, and phone number in section 3.
8. Sign and date the form. If it is a jointly filed return, either spouse may sign. Ensure the signature matches the one on the originally filed tax return. If your name has changed since then, sign with both your original name and your current name.
9. If the current address provided in Line 2 differs from the address in Line 1, a Notary Certificate of Acknowledgment is required. Follow the notary instructions carefully to complete this section.
10. For deceased taxpayers, the personal representative of the estate may sign Form 129. Include a copy of the letter of administration with the request.
11. If a reporting agent is signing the form, ensure that a copy of the signed Maryland Form 548P, delegating authority to the representative, is included with Form 129.

After diligently completing the form, it can be submitted either by mail to the Comptroller of Maryland Revenue Administration Division, Central Files, or in person at any of the Comptroller's branch offices during regular business hours. Remember, securing copies of tax returns via email, scanning, or faxing is not an option; they will either be mailed through the U.S. Postal Service or can be picked up in person. With thoughtful attention to detail, this task can be completed efficiently, ensuring that the necessary documentation is received without undue delay.

Filling out the Maryland Request for Copy of Tax Return Form 129 requires meticulous attention to detail. A mistake can delay the process or result in an incorrect or incomplete document retrieval. To ensure a smooth process, avoid these common errors:

1. Not using the name and address as listed on the original tax return - It's vital to match the information on Form 129 with what was submitted on your tax return to avoid processing delays.

2. Requesting W-2's only without checking the proper box (1a) - If you need only your W-2 forms, you must indicate this by checking the box in Line 1a.

3. Incorrectly entering the tax year(s) requested - Precision is crucial when specifying the tax years for which copies are needed. Without accurate dates, the request can't be properly processed.

4. Providing an outdated or incorrect mailing address - If the current mailing address differs from the one on your tax return, update it accurately to ensure receipt of your documents.

5. Forgetting to include the notary section if required - If your current mailing address has changed from what was listed on your return, a notarized Form 129 is mandatory unless the form specifies otherwise.

6. Omitting Social Security numbers or entering them incorrectly - Both your and your spouse’s Social Security numbers must be correctly listed to confirm your identities.

7. Neglecting to sign and date the form - Without your signature and the date, the form is considered incomplete and cannot be processed.

8. Not acting as an authorized representative when needed - If representing another taxpayer, ensure you have the proper authorization, such as a Maryland Power of Attorney (Form 548), to act on their behalf.

9. Failing to provide documentation for deceased taxpayers - In cases where the request is for a deceased taxpayer's documents, include a copy of the letter of administration with the form.

10. Ignoring the requirement for original, notarized forms when mailing - Remember, the Comptroller’s office must receive an original, signed, and notarized Form 129 when the request is submitted by mail.

Avoiding these errors can significantly expedite the process of obtaining a copy of a Maryland tax return. Each step taken carefully ensures that the request is processed smoothly and accurately.

Understanding and managing tax affairs requires attention to detail, not least of which is knowing which forms and documents to use alongside specific requests like the Maryland Request for Copy of Tax Return Form 129. This comprehensive form, crucial for those needing copies of their Maryland state tax returns for various reasons, such as loan applications or personal records, is just the starting point. There are other forms and documents often needed either to support the request on Form 129 or to accompany it to fulfill other tax-related or legal requirements. Here’s a list of such forms and documents:

1. Maryland Power of Attorney (Form 548): If you have someone else managing your tax affairs, this form authorizes that person to request and handle your tax documents.
2. Letter of Administration: Required when requesting tax documents for a deceased taxpayer, to prove the requester’s authority to manage the estate.
3. W-2 Forms: Often attached with Form 129 if specific tax withholding and income details are needed for the requested years.
4. Reporting Agent Authorization (Form 548P): Similar to the Power of Attorney but specific to tax professionals who act as reporting agents on behalf of taxpayers.
5. Change of Address Form (Form 77): If your current address differs from what was listed on the return you're requesting, this form updates your address records with Maryland's tax authorities.
6. Application for Extension of Time to File (Form 502E): Relevant for assessing any extensions that may have affected the tax year(s) in question.
7. Amended Tax Return (Form 502X): If you’re obtaining past returns to correct them, this form is necessary for filing an amendment.
8. Employer Identification Number (EIN) Documentation: May be required if the 129 Form request includes W-2s and the identity of the employer needs verification.
9. Proof of Identity: Valid photo identification may need to be presented or included, especially when requests are made in person.
10. Receipts and Records: While not forms, you might be advised to attach relevant financial documentation supporting any claim or amendment made on the requested returns.

Submitting a request for a copy of any tax return isn’t simply a matter of filling out and sending in one form. It often requires a cluster of supporting documents, amendments, and potentially other forms to complete a financial or legal task. The key to a smooth process is understanding which additional forms and pieces of documentation are likely to support or be necessary for your request. This awareness can streamline the process, whether you're dealing with estate management, amending past returns, or handling routine annual paperwork.

The Maryland 129 form is similar to the IRS Form 4506, also known as the Request for Transcript of Tax Return. Both forms serve the purpose of requesting tax return information, but the Maryland 129 form is used specifically for Maryland state tax returns, while Form 4506 is used for federal tax returns. The forms mirror each other in requiring the taxpayer's identification information, the tax year(s) being requested, and a signature to validate the request. However, the Maryland 129 includes the option to request specific W-2 information directly on the form, while Form 4506 users would need to specify this in a separate section or form.

Additionally, the Maryland 129 form can be compared to the IRS Form 8821, Tax Information Authorization. While Form 129 is designed to request copies of tax returns or W-2s, Form 8821 authorizes any individual, corporation, firm, organization, or partnership you designate to inspect and/or receive your confidential tax information from the IRS for the type of tax and the years or periods you list on the form. Although their purposes are slightly different, both forms require similar information to be provided by taxpayers, including their names, social security numbers, and the specific tax years in question. The key difference lies in Form 8821's broader authorization that covers various tax information, not just copies of tax returns.

When filling out the Maryland Form 129, the Request for Copy of Tax Return, it's important to follow certain guidelines to ensure your request is processed smoothly. Here's a concise list of dos and don'ts:

• Do print the taxpayer's name and mailing address exactly as it appeared on the original tax return.
• Do check the box on Line 1a if you're requesting W-2 forms only and provide the required employer information separately if known.
• Do clearly enter the tax year(s) you are requesting on Line 1b.
• Do make sure to sign and date the form if you are the taxpayer, a personal representative, or a taxpayer’s representative, ensuring the signature matches the one on the original tax return.
• Don't sign the form before you've filled it out completely to avoid any discrepancies or omissions.
• Don't forget that if you're mailing in Form 129 and your current address differs from the one listed on the tax return, notarization is required.
• Don't ignore the need to attach additional documentation if you are requesting a copy of a return for a deceased taxpayer or if you're a reporting agent with specific delegated authority.
• Don't send the form without checking if the address in Line 2 is the same as in Line 1, in which case, notarization is not needed.

Remember, being thorough and attentive to details when completing the Maryland Form 129 will help expedite the process and ensure you receive the needed copies without unnecessary delay. For further assistance or clarification, visiting Maryland's tax website or contacting their offices directly is recommended.

• One common misconception is that the Maryland 129 form is only for requesting copies of tax returns. While its primary purpose is indeed to request a copy of a Maryland tax return, it also allows individuals to request W-2 forms by checking the appropriate box in line 1a.

• Many believe that the form must be notarized regardless of circumstances. However, notarization is not required if the current mailing address (line 2) matches the address as it appeared on the tax return for the requested year (line 1).

• Another misconception is that Form 129 can be completed and submitted online. The instructions specify that the form must either be mailed in its original, signed (and possibly notarized) format or submitted in person with valid photo identification.

• Some people think that this form is applicable for obtaining tax return copies from any state. This form is specific to the state of Maryland and requests made through this form are directed to the Comptroller of Maryland.

• It's often misconceived that email, scanned copies, or faxed copies of the tax return can be requested using this form. According to the instructions, the copy of the tax return will not be emailed, scanned, or faxed but sent via U.S. Postal Service or can be picked up in person.

• There's a misconception that Form 129 is a one-size-fits-all request form for any tax document. In reality, it's primarily aimed at requesting copies of Maryland tax returns and/or W-2 forms as they were originally filed.

• Some people mistakenly believe there is a fee associated with submitting Form 129. The instructions do not mention any fee for requesting copies of your tax return or W-2 forms using this form.

• There's often confusion about who can sign Form 129. It should be signed by the taxpayer listed, a personal representative, or a taxpayer’s representative with proper authorization. In cases of joint returns, either spouse may sign, but signatures must match the names as they appear on the original filed tax return.

• Lastly, a common misconception is that if one spouse signs the form for a copy of a joint tax return, the other spouse must also sign. The instructions clarify that copies of a joint tax return may be issued to either spouse, and only one signature is required.

Here are five key takeaways about filling out and using the Maryland 129 form:

• Complete the form in its entirety to request a copy of your Maryland tax return and/or W-2 forms as originally filed. Ensure all taxpayer information, including names, addresses, and Social Security numbers, matches the details on the original tax return.
• If the current mailing address provided on the form differs from the address listed on the originally filed tax return, notarization of the Form 129 is required. This step verifies the authenticity of the request and protects taxpayer information.
• In cases where you are requesting information for a deceased taxpayer, the personal representative of the estate must sign the form. Include a copy of the letter of administration with the request to validate the representative's authority to obtain such documents.
• For joint tax returns, the form can be signed by either spouse. However, the signature must match how it appeared on the original tax return. If there has been a name change, sign with both the name on the original return and the current name.
• Form 129 cannot be submitted via email, scan, or fax; it must be mailed to the Comptroller of Maryland Revenue Administration Division or submitted in person along with valid photo identification. Copies of the tax return will be sent via U.S. Postal Service or can be picked up in person by the requester.

Remember to check the box in line 1a if you are only requesting W-2 forms and provide the necessary employer details either on the back of Form 129 or on a separate page. This specifies the type of document requested and ensures the proper fulfillment of your request.