Maryland Tries to Make E-Filing Sexy, Succeeds in Making Us Uncomfortable

Maryland has made a really, really valiant effort with a new ad encouraging residents to e-file their taxes this year. It's a parody of those Bud Light "Real Men of Genius" ads: "Today, we salute you, Mr. Frustrated Taxpayer." It's a cute idea, but the result is pretty painful. Actually, really painful. (Also, we're with Will Wilson in wondering just exactly what that dude is wiping on his forehead at the :55 mark??) But maybe they're effective.

If you really want to check out some fun state-comptroller videos on electronic tax preparation (and why wouldn't you?!?), we suggest last year's YouTube vids from California's Franchise Tax Board.

They're fun, light and 100 percent free of screeching faux R&B.

(via DCist and Will Wilson)