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| Gross Income | 0 |
| State Deductions | 0 |
| Exemptions | 0 |
| Taxable Income | 0 |
| Gross State Tax | 0 |
| Less State Credits | 0 |
| Final State Tax | 0 |
Maryland’s tax system adds a few more layers than states with flat rates. The state uses a progressive income tax, meaning the more you earn, the higher your rate — starting at 2% and climbing up to 5.75% for individuals. But that’s not all. Maryland counties and Baltimore City also impose their own local income taxes, ranging from 2.25% to 3.20%, making Maryland’s total income tax one of the more complex in the country.
To calculate your federal income tax head over to our federal income tax calculator here.
| Tax rate | Single; married filing separately | Married filing jointly; surviving spouse | Head of household |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2.00% | $0 – $1,000 | $0 – $1,000 | $0 – $1,000 |
| 3.00% | $1,001 – $2,000 | $1,001 – $2,000 | $1,001 – $2,000 |
| 4.00% | $2,001 – $3,000 | $2,001 – $3,000 | $2,001 – $3,000 |
| 4.75% | $3,001 – $100,000 | $3,001 – $150,000 | $3,001 – $125,000 |
| 5.00% | $100,001 – $125,000 | $150,001 – $175,000 | $125,001 – $150,000 |
| 5.25% | $125,001 – $150,000 | $175,001 – $225,000 | $150,001 – $175,000 |
| 5.50% | $150,001 – $250,000 | $225,001 – $300,000 | $175,001 – $250,000 |
| 5.75% | Over $250,000 | Over $300,000 | Over $250,000 |
Local County Taxes: Additional 1.75%-3.20% (varies by county)
*Combined state + local rates range from 3.75% to 8.95%*
Montgomery County – 3.20%
Baltimore County – 3.20%
Howard County – 3.20%
Frederick County – 2.75%
Anne Arundel County – 2.81%
Retirement-friendly – Social Security completely exempt
Military pay exemption – Active duty pay not taxed
High local tax variation – Lowest in Worcester County (1.75%), highest in Howard County (3.20%)
Property tax credits – Homeowners can qualify for multiple relief programs
1. Standard Deduction
Single: $2,700
Married Filing Jointly: $5,450
Head of Household: $4,300
2. Retirement Benefits
Social Security: 100% exempt
Military pensions: 100% exempt
Other retirement income: Up to $34,300 exempt for seniors
3. Family & Education Credits
Child Tax Credit: $500 per child
Student Loan Debt Relief Credit: Up to $5,000
HOPE Scholarship Credit: Up to 100% of first $2,000 in contributions
4. Unique Maryland Benefits
Green Energy Credit: 30% of solar installation costs
Historic Property Credit: Up to 20% of renovation costs
Chesapeake Bay Credit: For eco-friendly property improvements
5. Personal Exemptions
Single: $3,200
Married Filing Jointly: $6,400
Dependent: $3,200
Account for both state and local taxes – Most calculators miss county variations
Maximize military benefits – Special exemptions for service members
Plan for DC commuters – Special rules apply for cross-border workers
Calculate state tax – Using progressive brackets
Add county tax – Based on your residence
Subtract MD-specific deductions – Retirement, military, etc.
Apply credits – Family, education, and green energy
Check reciprocity rules – If you work in DC/PA/VA
| State | Income Tax | Local Taxes | Retirement Tax | Property Tax |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Maryland | 2-5.75% + local | Yes (1.75-3.2%) | Social Security exempt | 1.06% avg |
| Virginia | 2-5.75% | Optional 1% | Partial exemption | 0.80% avg |
| Pennsylvania | 3.07% flat | Up to 3.87% | Retirement exempt | 1.35% avg |
| Delaware | 2.2-6.6% | None | Partial exemption | 0.56% avg |
Key Consideration: Maryland offers strong urban services but has higher combined tax rates than neighbors.
You live in one county but work in another
You’re a military family with complex exemptions
You own property near DC or the Chesapeake Bay
You qualify for historic preservation credits
Q: Which Maryland county has the lowest taxes?
A: Worcester County at 1.75% local tax. Highest is Howard County at 3.20%.
Q: Is Maryland tax-friendly for retirees?
A: Yes! No Social Security tax and generous retirement income exemptions.
Q: How are DC commuters taxed?
A: Maryland offers credit for taxes paid to DC, but rules are complex.
Q: What’s the “millionaire tax” in Maryland?
A: The 5.75% bracket applies to income over $250k (effectively 8.95% with local taxes).
Schedule a free live 5 minute CPA call here. Questions are the stepping stones to answers, and we’re here to guide you across the river of tax confusion. Whether it’s a tiny trickle of doubt or a surging river of perplexity, our customer support team is on standby, ready to provide the answers you need. Reach out via chat, email, or phone – we’re committed to making sure your experience is as smooth and stress-free as possible. So, go ahead and ask away!