How Maryland income tax works
Maryland taxes individual income with 8 brackets ranging from 2.00% to 5.75%.
Your tax is calculated on taxable income — gross income minus the $2,550 standard deduction for a single filer.
State rates up to 5.75%; counties add a local income tax of roughly 2.25–3.2%.
Maryland income tax rates for 2026
Only the income that falls inside each bracket is taxed at that bracket's rate — this is how marginal tax works, so your effective rate is always lower than your top bracket.
Your effective rate is the total tax divided by your gross income; your marginal rate is the rate on your next dollar earned. The calculator shows both.
Maryland taxes capital gains as ordinary income (plus county tax).
Lowering your Maryland tax bill
Pre-tax contributions to retirement accounts, health savings accounts and other deductions reduce the taxable income this calculator starts from.
Remember this estimate covers MD state income tax only. Federal income tax and payroll taxes apply on top, and this is a planning estimate — verify with the Comptroller of Maryland (marylandtaxes.gov) or a tax professional.
Frequently asked questions
How much is Maryland state income tax?
Maryland uses progressive brackets from 2.00% to 5.75%.
What is the difference between effective and marginal rate?
Your marginal rate is the rate on your last dollar of income; your effective rate is your total tax divided by total income, which is lower because of brackets and deductions.
Does this include federal tax?
No. This calculator estimates MD state income tax only. Federal income tax and payroll taxes are separate and apply on top.
How are capital gains taxed in Maryland?
Maryland taxes capital gains as ordinary income (plus county tax).