Earned Income Tax Credit - Assistance Program Implementation Delay and Study

HB 735 delays Maryland's Earned Income Tax Credit (EITC) Assistance Program implementation until 2029 (from 2024) and requires two key studies. The Comptroller's Office must study outreach methods to help eligible low-income residents claim the state EITC by December 31, 2030. The Department of Service and Civic Innovation must also recommend ways to assist low-income residents in claiming tax credits and accessing support. This bill directly affects Marylanders who qualify for the EITC but may not have claimed it, without changing the credit amount or eligibility rules.