Md. urges online state tax filing in YouTube spoof

[February 09, 2009]  ANNAPOLIS, Md. (AP) -- Maryland's comptroller urges "real taxpayers of genius" to file their taxes online this year in a YouTube video spoofing a memorable series of Bud Light ads.

Taxpayers frustrated by filling out traditional tax forms are shown enduring paper cuts and other hassles.

"Today, we salute you, Mr. Frustrated Taxpayer," the announcer intones. Then, backed up by singers repeating his words in falsetto, he tells them they have an alternative -- file their taxes electronically.

"Well done, e-filer, well done," the announcer says as another taxpayer successfully files online and pumps his fists.

At the end, Comptroller Peter Franchot appears and reminds viewers to file online because it's faster and easier than mailing in a return.

"Bringing humor to the otherwise stressful topic of doing taxes is one way we hope to grab people's attention," Franchot said in a release.

The state spends $1.98 processing a paper return, compared with 38 cents for a return filed online. Online filing is free for people who meet the requirements.

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On the Net:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?vHvbRj-XdhRc

[Associated Press]

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