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Maryland State Taxes

Quick Tax Facts

  • income tax wallet icon Income Tax: 2% – 6.5%
  • sales tax - credit card icon State Sales Tax: 6%
  • property tax - house icon Median Property Tax: $3,880

Overview

Maryland has a lot to offer families, including plenty of outdoor activities and some of the best public schools in America. The cost of living, however, is well above the national average and it’s not the most tax-friendly. Maryland has some of the highest property tax rates in the country and income taxes are pretty steep, too. If you’re into shopping, however, you’ll be happy to learn that Maryland doesn’t charge local sales tax.

Maryland Income Tax

Maryland levies income taxes at both the state and local levels (county and Baltimore City). Beginning in 2025, Maryland transitioned to a 10-bracket system, ranging from 2% to 6.5%.

Tax Rates – Single, Married Filing Separately & Dependents
Taxable Net IncomeMaryland Tax
$0 – $1,0002%
$1,000 – $2,0003%, plus $20
$2,000 – $3,0004%, plus $50
$3,000 – $100,0004.75%, plus $90
$100,000 – $125,0005%, plus $4,697.50
$125,000 – $150,0005.25%, plus $5,947.50
$150,000 – $250,0005.5%, plus $7,260
$250,000 – $500,0005.75%, plus $12,760
$500,000 – $1M6.25% plus $27,135
$1M or more6.5% plus $58,385
Tax Rates – Married Filing Jointly, Head of Household or Qualifying Widow(er)
Taxable Net IncomeMaryland tax
$0 – $1,0002%
$1,000 – $2,0003%, plus $20
$2,000 – $3,0004%, plus $50
$3,000 – $150,0004.75%, plus $90
$150,000 – $175,0005%, plus $7,072.50
$175,000 – $225,0005.25%, plus $8,322.50
$225,000 – $300,0005.5%, plus $10,947.50
$300,000 – $600,0005.75%, plus $15,072.50
$600,000 – $1.2M6.25% plu $32,322.50
$1.2M or more6.5% plus $69,822.50

Local income tax is collected on the state income tax return as a convenience for local governments. The amount you pay in local income taxes is calculated as a percentage of your taxable income and varies based on where you live. Two counties, Anne Arundel and Frederick, have multiple rates based on the resident’s taxable income. All other local governments charge a flat rate regardless of your income level.

Who Must File?

Generally, you must file a Maryland income tax return (Form 502) if you are or were a resident, and you are required to file a federal tax return. Part-year residents are also required to file. If you are a non-resident who had income from Maryland resources, you should file Form 505, Nonresident Income Tax Return, or Form 515.

Maryland Sales Tax

Maryland has a state sales tax rate of 6% and does not levy sales taxes at the local level.

Maryland Property Taxes

Maryland has one of the highest property tax rates in the country, averaging 1.02% of a property’s assessed value (county level). Its 23 counties, Baltimore City, and 155 incorporated cities each issue property tax bills between July and August annually.

The median property tax paid in Maryland is approximately $3,880. Howard County has the highest property tax at an average of $6,650. The lowest amount is $1,648 in Somerset County.

Maryland Property Tax
Highest

$6650

Median

$3880

Lowest

$1648

Yearly Cost Per Resident

Maryland Tax Holidays

Maryland now hosts one tax-free events annually:

  • Maryland Energy Weekend. This is held on Saturday (starting at 12:01 AM) immediately preceding the third Monday in February, through the third Monday (ends at 11:59 PM) of the month. Certain Energy Star products are exempt from sales tax during this holiday.

Maryland Tax Relief

Unpaid Maryland income taxes can become increasingly difficult to manage as penalties and interest add to your outstanding balance. The Comptroller of Maryland may also pursue collection efforts when taxes remain unpaid. Whether you’ve fallen behind because of missed tax filings, financial hardship, or business-related tax issues, addressing your tax debt promptly may give you more opportunities to resolve the problem before collection activity intensifies.

If you’re unable to pay your Maryland tax balance in full, there may be options available to help you manage what you owe. Depending on your financial situation and eligibility, you may be able to establish a payment plan, request an Offer in Compromise, or qualify for low-income assistance. Working toward a resolution early may also help you avoid or address collection actions such as tax liens, wage garnishments, and bank levies.

Knowing how Maryland approaches delinquent tax debt and understanding the resolution options that may be available can help you make informed decisions about your next steps. Addressing your balance sooner can put you on a clearer path toward resolving your Maryland tax issues.

Common Maryland State Tax Problems

back taxes icon

Back Taxes

If you owe unpaid Maryland taxes, addressing your balance early may help you avoid additional penalties and collection actions.

unfiled tax return icon

Unfiled Tax Returns

Filing past-due Maryland tax returns is often the first step toward resolving your state tax issues.

Tax Notices

Notices from the MD Department of Revenue shouldn’t be ignored, as they often require prompt action to prevent further collections.

tax lien and levy icon

Liens & Levies

Unresolved tax debt may lead to liens against your property or levies on your assets as the state works to collect what is owed.

wage garnishment icon

Garnishment

Maryland may garnish your wages to collect unpaid taxes, reducing the amount of each paycheck you receive.

tax penalties icon

Tax Penalties

Unpaid taxes can continue to accrue penalties and interest until your balance is resolved.

How Maryland Collects Tax Debt

If you owe Maryland income taxes, the state will send a Personal Income Tax Computation Notice that informs you of a balance due.

If you do not pay or respond, the state will then send a Notice of Income Tax Assessment. This outlines the penalties and interest now due, as well as your appeal rights. Failure to set up a payment plan or other payment arrangements will lead to a Notice of Collection Action.

Maryland collection actions may include:

  • Wage garnishment
  • Bank levy
  • Tax lien
  • Tax refund offset

Individual Income Tax Computation Notice sent

Notice of Income Tax Assessment (NITA) issued

Account sent to collections

Maryland State Tax Relief Options

Maryland offers several relief options, including:

  • Payment Plans – You can set up a payment plan online, by phone, or email.
  • Offer in Compromise – If eligible, you may be able to settle your Maryland tax debt for less than you owe through an Offer in Compromise.  
  • Fresh Start – Formally incarcerated taxpayers may be eligible for the Maryland Fresh Start program, which places them on a payment plan and waives penalties and interest. The program is only available for tax years 2025-2029.
  • Low-Income Relief – Certain low-income households may be eligible to suspend payments and collections on unpaid tax debt through the Maryland Hardship Relief or Low-Income Taxpayer Relief programs.

If you’re experiencing financial hardship and can’t pay your Maryland income tax bill, contact the Comptroller’s Office as soon as possible to avoid collection actions.

When to Seek Tax Relief Help

If you’re experiencing any of the following, it may be time to explore your tax relief options:

senior couple reviewing a collection notice

You’re Receiving Collection Notices

Ignoring Maryland tax notices can lead to more serious collection actions, so it’s often best to address the issue early.

woman looking at an empty wallet trying to pay taxes

You Can’t Afford to Pay Your Taxes

If paying your Maryland state tax bill in full isn’t realistic, there may be payment or resolution options available.

IRS collection actions started with lien

Collection Actions Have Started

If you’re facing wage garnishments, bank levies, or tax liens, professional guidance may help you understand your options.

The sooner you address your tax debt, the more options you may have available to resolve your balance and minimize additional collection actions.

Maryland Tax Relief FAQs

Maryland Tax Resources

If you need assistance preparing your Maryland state taxes, you can speak with a tax professional from Tax Defense Network by calling 855-476-6920.

You can also visit the Comptroller of Maryland website for additional resources.

Need Help Resolving Maryland Tax Debt?