The Role of the Comptroller

The Comptroller of Maryland is the state’s elected Chief Financial Officer. The office acts as an independent voice on fiscal matters, overseeing every dollar in and every dollar out for the State.  

Here are some of the responsibilities of the Office of the Comptroller of Maryland.

Revenue Administration: The Comptroller’s most well-known job is to collect Maryland taxes and issue refunds on a variety of taxes, including personal & corporate income tax, sales and use tax, motor fuel tax, and taxes on alcohol and tobacco. The Comptroller also conducts audits of individuals and businesses to ensure everyone is paying their fair share.

Revenue Estimates: The Bureau of Revenue Estimates, part of the Comptroller’s Office, studies the economy and predicts how much money the State will collect. It also reviews how tax laws affect State revenue and shares updates with bond rating agencies before each bond sale or when needed.

Procurement and the Board of Public Works: The Comptroller serves with the Governor and State Treasurer on the Board of Public Works, which approves all state contracts and leases valued at $200,000 or more. The board also manages the sale of Maryland’s general obligation bonds.

State Pensions: Led by the Treasurer and Comptroller, the Maryland State Retirement and Pension System (SRPS) provides retirement, death, and disability benefits for over 420,000 members, including state employees, teachers, police, and judges. The system is overseen by a 15-person Board of Trustees, which meets regularly to set policies that guide investment strategy and review operations and performance.

Payroll Services: The Comptroller processes payroll for over 100,000 state employees across 250 agencies, including public universities.

State Licensing: The Comptroller administers 21 different business licenses issued by Circuit Court Clerks. These licenses are issued to construction companies and warehouses, hawkers and peddlers, restaurants, and traders, among others.

Motor Fuel Testing: The Comptroller ensures that Marylanders get what they pay for at the pump and that all motor fuel is what is advertised.

General Accounting: The Comptroller manages the state’s books, keeps records of all money received and spent, and processes state treasury checks.

Unclaimed Property: Safeguards the public’s unclaimed property and helps people claim any money or property they’re entitled to.

Research: The Office of the Comptroller has launched a new initiative to produce economic research reports that utilize data available through this agency and other government and non-government entities. We offer these reports to provide policymakers, business leaders, and all Marylanders with more information about issues that intersect with or are directly impacted by our agency.

The Comptroller also serves on various state boards, bringing an independent financial viewpoint, including:

• Board of Revenue Estimates
• Commission on Climate Change
• Maryland Agricultural Land Preservation Foundation
• Maryland Small Business Development Financing Authority
• Maryland Commission on Public Art
• Maryland 529 Board

and many others.