The state operates a Questionable Return Detection Team, which Franchot said it monitors tax filings looking for abuses. Business involved received written notices of the action after they were recognized by the fraud unit, which uses technology to detect suspicious returns. Those notified can take advantage of a review process in order to restore filing privileges.

Firms blocked are the following with Baltimore-only locations: KC and Son Tax Service, Freedom Tax Services, Double R Taxes, Keystone Tax Solutions, Bencok One.

Other Maryland firms were OAS,  Germantown; Immaculate Money, District Heights; Geneva Sanders, Odenton and Laurel;  Brightway Professionals and Associates, Temple Hills;  New Valley & Co., AKA  Prologix Tax, , Rockville and Baltimore;  All Choice Tax & Payroll Services, Upper Marlboro; BOFMOT, Laurel and Baltimore; Annoited [sic] Tax & Consulting Service, AKA  ATP Too, Towson and Baltimore; Alcantara Driving School Corp.  two Silver Spring locations; Ardy Sowe Tax Service and Beltsville.

Out-of-state firms sanctioned were Rhodes & O’Neil Accounting,  Richmond, Va.; Safe STEM Institute, Sterling, Va.; Precise Financial, Houston, Texas; Gabriel Ajak, Dallas, Texas; and Michael Smith, Pomona, Calif.