RESOURCES AND INFORMATION ON HOUSING, UTILITIES, AND TAXES FROM THE OFFICE OF THE PEOPLE’S COUNSEL (OPC)
The OPC has released the following updated information on housing, utilities, and taxes in Maryland. Please follow the included links for more information and guidance.
Housing
Foreclosures of all kinds are on hold until at least Friday, July 24 at 5 pm. After this time, foreclosures will resume for homes with privately-backed mortgages. Foreclosures for homes with federally-backed mortgages are on hold until August 31.
The hold on evictions ends on July 24 at 5 pm. The exception is for tenants living in properties with federally-backed loans. The hold on evictions for those tenants extends until August 31. For more information check out the Maryland Volunteer Lawyer Services website
Below is a list of COVID-19 rental assistance resources. This is not an exhaustive list of all available rental assistance in the state of MD. This list is meant to highlight just some of the COVID-19 specific resources. For additional information about financial assistance throughout the state, contact 211MD by dialing 2-1-1 or by visiting them online at www.211md.org
The moratorium on utility late fees and shut-offs for non-payment is in effect until August 1, 2020. If you are struggling to pay your utility bill, reach out to your utility company now to try and negotiate a payment plan. Attached please find our updated outreach flyers and OHEP materials. Please feel free to spread across your networks and share with clients. All of these materials can also be found on the Office of People's Counsel website
Taxes
The IRS and Marylad Comptroller extended the tax filing and payment deadline to July 15, 2020. Click here for free online filing options. Income eligibility does apply. To learn more about how to file for an extension click here
The Earned Income Tax Credit, EITC or EIC, is an important benefit for working people with low to moderate income. To qualify, you must meet certain requirements and file a tax return, even if you do not owe any tax or are not required to file. EITC reduces the amount of tax you owe and may give you a refund. To learn more about EITC visit the IRS website
