Comptroller of Maryland

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William Donald Schaefer, current comptroller
William Donald Schaefer, current comptroller

The Comptroller of Maryland, as of 2006 former Governor William Donald Schaefer, is the state's chief financial officer and is also elected by the people for a four year term. The comptroller is not term-limited. The office was established by the Maryland Constitution of 1851 due to concern about the potential for fraud and corruption in the administration of the public treasury. The constitutional duties of the office begin with the broad mandate to exercise "general superintendence of the fiscal affairs of the State", which includes collecting taxes and maintaining the general ledger. The Comptroller (or a deputy) countersigns all checks drawn by the State Treasurer upon the deposits of the State. The Comptroller also prescribes the formalities for transfer of other evidence of State debt and countersigns such papers.

In addition, the comptroller's office audits taxpayers for compliance, handles delinquent tax collection, and enforces license and unclaimed property laws. The agency publicizes forgotten bank accounts, insurance benefits and other unclaimed assets of taxpayers. Acting as Maryland's chief accountant, the comptroller pays the state's bills, maintains its books, prepares financial reports, and pays its state employees.

[edit] List of Comptrollers of Maryland

[edit] References

[edit] External link

Seal of Maryland
Branches of the State Government of Maryland
Executive: Governor (List of Governors) | Lt. Governor | Comptroller | Treasurer | Attorney General | Secretary of State
Legislative: General Assembly: Senate (List of Senators, President of the Senate), House of Delegates (List of Delegates)
Judicial: Court of Appeals (List of Judges) | Court of Special Appeals
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