Maryland Tax: Guide to Income, Sales, Property, and Retirement Taxes

Maryland State flag flying in the sky for Maryland state tax guide

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Navigating the complexities of state taxes can be daunting, but understanding Maryland's tax landscape is essential for residents and newcomers alike.

In this guide, we'll explore key components of The Free State's tax system, from income and sales taxes to property taxes and retirement benefits.

Maryland state tax: Overview

Maryland might not have high state income tax rates on paper, but there's more to the story.

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Each county can add its own tax rate, which means your actual bill could be higher than you'd expect. Even those earning just over $3,000 in taxable income can end up paying at least 4.75%.

Gas prices aren't exactly a break either, thanks to hefty fuel taxes. And unlike many states, Maryland has both an inheritance tax and an estate tax.

But there is good news. The state offers property tax credits for those who qualify, and if you rely on Social Security for retirement income, you're in luck because Maryland doesn’t tax it.

[Data for this state tax guide was gathered from several sources including the U.S. Census Bureau, the state’s government website, the Sales Tax Handbook, and the Tax Foundation. Property taxes are cited as a rate percentage rather than the assessed value.]

Maryland income tax

Maryland has a graduated state individual income tax rate that ranges from 2% to 5.75%, according to the Tax Foundation.

Maryland retirement taxes

Maryland taxes some retirement income, and localities can tax your income.

However, there is a pension exclusion of up to $39,500 for retirees age 65 and older. Maryland has both an estate and an inheritance tax.

The estate tax exemption is $5 million. However, the inheritance tax is mostly exempt for lineal descendants and ascendants, and 10% for most others.

Social Security: Not taxable
Pensions: Partially taxed (due to pension exclusion)
401(k) and IRA Distributions: Taxable

Maryland sales tax

Still life of a small shopping cart with $1 USD bills

Maryland's state sales tax is 6%, according to the Tax Foundation

Groceries: Exempt

Clothing: Taxable

Motor Vehicles: Exempt

Prescription Drugs: Exempt

How much are property taxes in Maryland?

In Maryland, the average effective property tax rate is 0.95%.

Source: Tax Foundation

Maryland property tax breaks for retirees

Local governments can establish a property tax deferral program that allows Maryland residents 65 or older to defer the increase in their tax bill for county taxes. The deferred taxes become a lien on the property and must be repaid when the property is transferred.

Maryland's Renters' Tax Credit program provides up to $1,000 annually for qualifying residents. Income limits apply, but the credit is not limited to renters over age 65.

Maryland gas tax

rendering of a yellow car against a yellow background

Gasoline: $0.33 per gallon

Diesel: $0.33 per gallon

Source: Sales Tax Handbook

Maryland taxes on alcohol and tobacco

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Maryland tobacco taxes
Product	Tax Amount
Cigarette	$2 per pack
Cigars	70% of wholesale price
Tobacco/Snuff	30% of wholesale price

Source: Sales Tax Handbook

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Maryland alcohol taxes
Product	Tax Amount
Wine	$0.40 per gallon
Beer	$0.09 per gallon
Liquor	$1.50 per gallon

All alcohol has an additional sales tax of 9%.

Source: Sales Tax Handbook

Maryland estate and inheritance taxes

Maryland has estate and inheritance taxes ('Death Taxes'). Maryland's estate exemption is $5 million, so you don't need to worry about paying this tax if your estate is valued under that amount.

However, Maryland's inheritance tax, which is 10% of the clear value (fair market value minus qualified expenses), applies to some heirs when the value of the property exceeds $1,000. Many descendants (including but not limited to spouses and children) are exempt from paying inheritance taxes in Maryland.

Katelyn has more than 6 years of experience working in tax and finance. While she specialized in tax content while working at Kiplinger from 2023 to 2024, Katelyn has also written for digital publications on topics including insurance, retirement, and financial planning and had financial advice commissioned by national print publications. She believes knowledge is the key to success and enjoys providing content that educates and informs.