Online-Only State Tax System Leaves Amish Families With Inflated Bills

Maryland’s transition to an entirely online tax system has created a significant challenge for Amish and Mennonite families in St. Mary’s County, according to Leonardtown Town Councilmember Mary Maday Slade. The shift, part of a broader state initiative to digitize all tax filings and payments, has left many Plain community members without the tools or access needed to navigate the new system. These families, who traditionally rely on paper vouchers for sales tax and other payments, no longer receive those forms. Without them, they are unable to make timely payments, resulting in inflated bills that carry interest.

Slade highlighted the difficulties faced by Plain residents, many of whom lack regular access to phones, the internet, or personal identification. Without a phone, they cannot receive callbacks from state representatives, and without ID, they are often turned away when attempting to resolve issues in person. Some residents must rely on others to travel to Annapolis, a process that is both costly and logistically complex. Slade has personally driven to assist several families in navigating these challenges.

In response to the growing concerns, State Sen. Jack Bailey arranged a meeting between the Comptroller’s Office and members of the Plain community. Around 100 individuals attended, where the Comptroller’s Office introduced a direct contact—a young staff member who promised to call back after receiving messages. However, Slade noted that this solution does not address the core issue: many residents lack the means to communicate via phone. Despite the meeting, she expressed that little progress has been made in resolving the problem.

The transition to Maryland Tax Connect, the state’s new online portal, was implemented in September after a system-wide shutdown in late August to transfer over 4 billion records. While businesses have been using the system since 2024, individual taxpayers have faced significant disruptions. Slade reported that the new system has led to delays of up to 20 weeks for responses from the state. “It’s not just you. It’s everybody,” she said, emphasizing the widespread nature of the issue.

Comptroller Brooke Lierman acknowledged that “no system is ever perfect” during the launch of individual filing. Her office has not publicly addressed the specific concerns raised by the Plain community. Taxpayers are encouraged to contact the Comptroller’s Office at 1-800-MDTAXES for assistance. The situation underscores the need for inclusive policies that account for diverse communities, reflecting the biblical call to care for the vulnerable and ensure justice for all. Proverbs 18:17 reminds us that justice is the foundation of a just society, and this issue calls for a response rooted in mercy and accountability.

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