Maryland Pay Calculator 2026
Maryland Paycheck Calculator 2026 — Calculate Your Take-Home Pay, State Tax, County Tax, and Net Income
Use this free Maryland paycheck calculator to estimate your take-home pay after federal, state, and county taxes. Whether you earn a salary or hourly wages, this MD payroll calculator computes your net income for every pay period — weekly, bi-weekly, semi-monthly, or monthly. Accurate for 2026 tax year with the latest Maryland state brackets (2% – 6.50%), all 24 county and Baltimore City local tax rates, updated standard deductions, FICA, and federal withholding. Built by RevisionTown — free, private, no signup required.
2026 data applied: Reflects Maryland's 10-bracket progressive state income tax (including the 6.25% and 6.50% top brackets effective 2025), updated county rates (Allegany 3.20%, Kent 3.30%), the proposed $4,100 / $8,200 standard deduction, and 2026 federal tax brackets.
Calculate Your Maryland Paycheck
Your Maryland Pay Breakdown
Enter your income details and click calculate to see your complete paycheck breakdown including federal, state, and county taxes.
Detailed Annual Breakdown
How to Use the Maryland Paycheck Calculator
Calculating your Maryland take-home pay involves subtracting federal income tax, Maryland state income tax, your local county tax, Social Security, and Medicare from your gross earnings. This MD paycheck calculator automates every step for both salaried and hourly workers. Follow these steps:
- Select your pay type — Choose "Annual salary" if you have a fixed yearly income, or "Hourly wage" if you are paid by the hour.
- Enter your gross pay — Type your total annual salary or hourly rate. For hourly workers, also enter your typical hours per week.
- Choose your pay frequency — Select how often you receive a paycheck: weekly (52), bi-weekly (26), semi-monthly (24), or monthly (12).
- Select your filing status — Choose Single, Married Filing Jointly, or Head of Household. This determines your federal and state tax brackets and standard deduction.
- Pick your Maryland county — Maryland is unique: every resident pays a local county income tax on top of the state tax. Rates range from 2.25% (Worcester County) to 3.30% (Dorchester and Kent Counties).
- Enter exemptions and deductions — Claim your personal exemptions ($3,200 each) and any pre-tax contributions such as 401(k), HSA, or FSA.
- Click "Calculate Take-Home Pay" — The calculator instantly displays your per-period net pay, annual take-home, and a detailed breakdown of every tax withholding.
Understanding Maryland's Tax Structure for 2026
Maryland has one of the more complex state tax systems in the United States because residents pay three layers of income tax: federal, state, and local (county). Here is a detailed explanation of each component that affects your paycheck.
1. Federal Income Tax
All U.S. workers pay federal income tax based on the progressive bracket system. For 2026, the federal brackets are adjusted for inflation. Your taxable income is your gross income minus the standard deduction ($15,000 for single filers, $30,000 for married filing jointly in 2026) and any pre-tax deductions.
Where \(r_i\) is the marginal rate for bracket \(i\) and \(B_i\) is the upper boundary of bracket \(i\).
2. Maryland State Income Tax
Maryland imposes a progressive state income tax with 10 brackets, ranging from 2% to 6.50%. The top two brackets (6.25% and 6.50%) were added effective January 1, 2025, targeting high earners. The state provides a standard deduction of $4,100 for single filers and $8,200 for joint filers (proposed for 2026), plus personal exemptions of $3,200 each.
Maryland taxable income is calculated as:
3. County / Baltimore City Income Tax
Every Maryland resident pays a local income tax to their county of residence or Baltimore City. This is a flat percentage of Maryland taxable income (with a few exceptions — Anne Arundel and Frederick Counties use graduated rates). The maximum allowable county rate is 3.30% as of 2025.
4. FICA Taxes (Social Security and Medicare)
Social Security tax is 6.2% of gross wages up to the wage base limit ($176,100 for 2026). Medicare tax is 1.45% on all wages, plus an additional 0.9% on earnings above $200,000 (single) or $250,000 (married filing jointly).
5. Combined Take-Home Pay Formula
2026 Maryland State Income Tax Brackets
Below are the Maryland state income tax rates for the 2026 tax year. Maryland uses separate bracket thresholds for single and joint filers.
Single, Married Filing Separately, or Dependent Filers
| Taxable Income Range | Rate | Tax on Lower Brackets |
|---|---|---|
| $0 – $1,000 | 2.00% | $0 |
| $1,001 – $2,000 | 3.00% | $20.00 |
| $2,001 – $3,000 | 4.00% | $50.00 |
| $3,001 – $100,000 | 4.75% | $90.00 |
| $100,001 – $125,000 | 5.00% | $4,697.50 |
| $125,001 – $150,000 | 5.25% | $5,947.50 |
| $150,001 – $250,000 | 5.50% | $7,260.00 |
| $250,001 – $500,000 | 5.75% | $12,760.00 |
| $500,001 – $1,000,000 | 6.25% | $27,135.00 |
| Over $1,000,000 | 6.50% | $58,385.00 |
Married Filing Jointly, Head of Household, or Qualifying Surviving Spouse
| Taxable Income Range | Rate | Tax on Lower Brackets |
|---|---|---|
| $0 – $1,000 | 2.00% | $0 |
| $1,001 – $2,000 | 3.00% | $20.00 |
| $2,001 – $3,000 | 4.00% | $50.00 |
| $3,001 – $150,000 | 4.75% | $90.00 |
| $150,001 – $175,000 | 5.00% | $7,072.50 |
| $175,001 – $225,000 | 5.25% | $8,322.50 |
| $225,001 – $300,000 | 5.50% | $10,947.50 |
| $300,001 – $600,000 | 5.75% | $15,072.50 |
| $600,001 – $1,200,000 | 6.25% | $32,322.50 |
| Over $1,200,000 | 6.50% | $69,822.50 |
2026 Maryland County and Baltimore City Income Tax Rates
Maryland is the only state where every county (and Baltimore City) levies its own local income tax. The table below shows the 2026 rates used in this Maryland payroll calculator.
| County / City | 2026 Rate | County / City | 2026 Rate |
|---|---|---|---|
| Allegany | 3.20% | Howard | 3.20% |
| Anne Arundel | 3.20% | Kent | 3.30% |
| Baltimore City | 3.20% | Montgomery | 3.20% |
| Baltimore County | 3.20% | Prince George's | 3.20% |
| Calvert | 3.20% | Queen Anne's | 3.20% |
| Caroline | 3.20% | St. Mary's | 3.20% |
| Carroll | 3.03% | Somerset | 3.20% |
| Cecil | 2.74% | Talbot | 2.40% |
| Charles | 3.03% | Washington | 2.95% |
| Dorchester | 3.30% | Wicomico | 3.20% |
| Frederick | 3.20% | Worcester | 2.25% |
| Garrett | 2.65% | Harford | 3.06% |
Note: Anne Arundel and Frederick Counties technically use graduated rate schedules. For most taxpayers, the effective rate is approximately 3.20%. This calculator uses the flat-rate approximation.
Worked Examples: Maryland Paycheck Calculations
Example 1: $75,000 Salary, Single, Baltimore County (Bi-Weekly)
A single filer earning $75,000 annually in Baltimore County with 1 personal exemption, no pre-tax deductions, and paid bi-weekly (26 periods):
- Federal taxable income: $75,000 − $15,000 (standard deduction) = $60,000
- Federal income tax: approximately $8,538 per year
- MD taxable income: $75,000 − $4,100 (MD std deduction) − $3,200 (1 exemption) = $67,700
- MD state tax: $90.00 + ($67,700 − $3,000) × 4.75% = $90 + $3,073.25 = $3,163.25
- County tax: $67,700 × 3.20% = $2,166.40
- Social Security: $75,000 × 6.2% = $4,650.00
- Medicare: $75,000 × 1.45% = $1,087.50
- Annual take-home: $75,000 − $8,538 − $3,163.25 − $2,166.40 − $4,650 − $1,087.50 = $55,394.85
- Bi-weekly take-home: $55,394.85 ÷ 26 = ≈ $2,130.57
Example 2: $150,000 Salary, Married Filing Jointly, Montgomery County
A married couple with one income of $150,000, filing jointly, living in Montgomery County with 2 exemptions:
- Federal taxable income: $150,000 − $30,000 = $120,000
- Federal income tax: approximately $17,658
- MD taxable income: $150,000 − $8,200 − $6,400 = $135,400
- MD state tax: $90 + ($135,400 − $3,000) × 4.75% = $90 + $6,289 = $6,379.00
- County tax: $135,400 × 3.20% = $4,332.80
- Social Security: $150,000 × 6.2% = $9,300
- Medicare: $150,000 × 1.45% = $2,175
- Annual take-home: $150,000 − $17,658 − $6,379 − $4,332.80 − $9,300 − $2,175 = $110,155.20
Example 3: $150,000 Salary After Taxes in Maryland (150k Salary)
Many Marylanders search for "150k salary after taxes Maryland." Using the example above for a single filer in Baltimore County:
- MD taxable income: $150,000 − $4,100 − $3,200 = $142,700
- MD state tax: $5,947.50 + ($142,700 − $125,000) × 5.25% = $5,947.50 + $929.25 = $6,876.75
- County tax: $142,700 × 3.20% = $4,566.40
- Federal tax: approximately $23,048
- FICA: $9,300 + $2,175 = $11,475
- Estimated annual take-home: $150,000 − $23,048 − $6,876.75 − $4,566.40 − $11,475 = ≈ $104,034
So a $150K salary in Maryland typically yields roughly $100,000 to $110,000 in annual take-home pay depending on filing status, county, and deductions.
Example 4: Hourly Worker, $25/hr, 40 Hours/Week, Harford County
A single hourly worker earning $25/hour, working 40 hours per week in Harford County:
- Annual gross: $25 × 40 × 52 = $52,000
- Federal tax: approx. $4,658
- MD taxable: $52,000 − $4,100 − $3,200 = $44,700
- MD state tax: $90 + ($44,700 − $3,000) × 4.75% = $2,070.75
- County tax: $44,700 × 3.06% = $1,367.82
- FICA: $3,224 + $754 = $3,978
- Annual take-home: $52,000 − $4,658 − $2,070.75 − $1,367.82 − $3,978 = $39,925.43
- Effective hourly (net): $39,925.43 ÷ 2,080 = ≈ $19.19/hr
Key Maryland Tax Facts for 2026
Understanding the following facts will help you accurately estimate your Maryland net income and plan your finances. Maryland's tax landscape has several unique attributes compared to other states.
Maryland Has No Local Sales Tax — But High Income Taxes
Maryland has a flat 6% sales tax with no additional local sales taxes. However, the state compensates with relatively high combined income tax rates. When you add state (up to 6.50%) and county (up to 3.30%) income taxes, Maryland residents can face a combined state+local income tax rate of nearly 9.80% — among the highest in the nation.
The Standard Deduction Increase
For 2026, Maryland's standard deduction is proposed to increase to $4,100 for single filers and $8,200 for joint filers (up from $3,350 / $6,700 in 2025). This increase was part of Maryland House Bill 411 and will be indexed for cost-of-living adjustments going forward.
Personal Exemption Phase-Out
Maryland offers a $3,200 personal exemption per qualifying person. However, this exemption phases out for higher-income taxpayers. The phase-out begins at $100,000 AGI for single filers and $150,000 AGI for joint filers. The exemption is fully eliminated at higher income levels.
Reciprocal Tax Agreements
Maryland has reciprocal agreements with Pennsylvania, Virginia, West Virginia, and Washington, D.C.. If you live in Maryland but work in one of these jurisdictions, you only pay Maryland income taxes (not the work state's taxes). This is especially important for the many Maryland residents who commute to D.C. or Northern Virginia.
No City Income Tax Outside Baltimore
Unlike some states where cities impose their own separate income taxes, in Maryland the county tax is the only local income tax. Baltimore City is the sole municipality that functions as its own taxing jurisdiction (at 3.20%), because it is an independent city rather than part of a county.
Maryland Does Not Tax Social Security Benefits
Maryland fully exempts Social Security benefits from state income tax. This makes the state comparatively favorable for retirees compared to some neighboring states. Additionally, there is a pension exclusion of up to $39,500 for qualifying taxpayers aged 65 and older.
Maryland Take-Home Pay at Common Salary Levels
The following table shows estimated annual take-home pay in Maryland for various salary levels, assuming a single filer in Baltimore County (3.20%) with 1 exemption and no pre-tax deductions.
| Gross Salary | Federal Tax | MD State Tax | County Tax | FICA | Take-Home | Eff. Rate |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| $40,000 | $2,498 | $1,521 | $1,046 | $3,060 | $31,875 | 20.3% |
| $50,000 | $3,698 | $1,996 | $1,366 | $3,825 | $39,115 | 21.8% |
| $60,000 | $4,898 | $2,471 | $1,686 | $4,590 | $46,355 | 22.7% |
| $75,000 | $6,698 | $3,183 | $2,166 | $5,738 | $57,215 | 23.7% |
| $100,000 | $10,698 | $4,698 | $2,966 | $7,650 | $73,988 | 26.0% |
| $125,000 | $15,098 | $5,948 | $3,766 | $9,563 | $90,625 | 27.5% |
| $150,000 | $20,098 | $6,877 | $4,566 | $11,475 | $106,984 | 28.7% |
| $200,000 | $30,498 | $9,627 | $6,166 | $13,975 | $139,734 | 30.1% |
Estimates assume 2026 tax law, single filer, Baltimore County, 1 exemption, no pre-tax deductions. Actual amounts depend on specific circumstances.
Tips to Maximize Your Take-Home Pay in Maryland
Knowing how Maryland's tax system works allows you to make strategic decisions that keep more money in your pocket. Here are practical strategies.
Maximize Pre-Tax Retirement Contributions
Contributing to a traditional 401(k) reduces both your federal and Maryland state taxable income. For 2026, the 401(k) contribution limit is $24,000 (or $31,000 if you are age 50 or older). A Maryland resident earning $100,000 who contributes $24,000 to a 401(k) could save approximately $5,700 in combined federal, state, and county taxes.
Use Health Savings Accounts (HSAs)
If you have a high-deductible health plan, an HSA offers triple tax advantages: contributions are pre-tax (reducing federal and state income), earnings grow tax-free, and qualified withdrawals are tax-free. For 2026, the HSA limit is $4,300 for individuals or $8,550 for families.
County Choice Matters
If you are flexible about where you live in Maryland, the county you choose can save (or cost) you significantly. For example, on $100,000 of Maryland taxable income:
- Worcester County (2.25%): $2,250 in county tax
- Baltimore County (3.20%): $3,200 in county tax
- Kent County (3.30%): $3,300 in county tax
That is a difference of $1,050 per year just from the county tax rate.
Claim All Eligible Exemptions
Each Maryland personal exemption reduces your state taxable income by $3,200. For a married couple with two children, that is 4 exemptions = $12,800 in reduced taxable income, saving roughly $608 to $832 in state and county taxes depending on your marginal rate.
Take Advantage of Maryland Tax Credits
Maryland offers several valuable tax credits including the Earned Income Credit (50% of the federal EIC for filers with qualifying children), the Child and Dependent Care Credit, and the Student Loan Debt Relief Credit (up to $5,000). These credits directly reduce your tax liability dollar-for-dollar.
Maryland vs. Neighboring States: Tax Comparison
Maryland residents often compare their tax burden to neighboring states, especially those who commute across state lines. Here is how Maryland's combined income tax rates stack up.
Maryland vs. Virginia
Virginia has a top state income tax rate of 5.75% and does not impose a separate county income tax on wages. Maryland's combined state + county rate can reach 9.80%. However, Virginia has higher property taxes in many areas and different deduction structures. The reciprocal tax agreement means Maryland residents working in Virginia only pay Maryland taxes.
Maryland vs. Pennsylvania
Pennsylvania has a flat 3.07% state income tax — much lower than Maryland. Some Pennsylvania municipalities also levy local income tax (up to about 3.9%). However, Pennsylvania's overall income tax burden is significantly lower for most earners.
Maryland vs. Washington, D.C.
D.C. has a progressive income tax with a top rate of 10.75% on income over $1 million. For most earners, Maryland's combined rate is comparable. But D.C. has no county-level tax layer, so the comparison depends heavily on income level.
Maryland vs. Delaware
Delaware has a top state income tax rate of 6.60% but no sales tax and no county income tax. For high earners, Delaware may be slightly more favorable. Delaware also has lower property taxes in many areas.
Frequently Asked Questions
How do I calculate my Maryland paycheck?
To calculate your Maryland paycheck, subtract federal income tax, Maryland state income tax (2% to 6.50%), your county income tax (2.25% to 3.30%), Social Security (6.2%), and Medicare (1.45%) from your gross pay. Also subtract any pre-tax deductions like 401(k) contributions. The formula is: Take-Home Pay = Gross Pay − Federal Tax − MD State Tax − County Tax − FICA − Deductions.
What is the Maryland state income tax rate for 2026?
Maryland has 10 progressive state income tax brackets for 2026, ranging from 2% on the first $1,000 of taxable income to 6.50% on income over $1,000,000 (single) or $1,200,000 (joint). The 6.25% and 6.50% brackets were added in 2025 for high earners.
Which Maryland county has the lowest income tax?
Worcester County has the lowest county income tax rate in Maryland at 2.25%. Talbot County is next at 2.40%, followed by Garrett County at 2.65%. The highest rates are in Dorchester and Kent Counties at 3.30%.
How much is $150K salary after taxes in Maryland?
On a $150,000 salary as a single filer in Baltimore County, you can expect approximately $104,000 to $107,000 in annual take-home pay after federal, state, county taxes, and FICA. The exact amount varies by county, filing status, exemptions, and deductions.
Does Maryland have a county income tax?
Yes. Maryland is unique — all 23 counties plus Baltimore City impose a local income tax on residents, ranging from 2.25% to 3.30%. This is in addition to the state income tax and is automatically withheld from your paycheck if you work and live in Maryland.
What is Maryland's standard deduction for 2026?
For 2026, Maryland's standard deduction is proposed to be $4,100 for single filers and $8,200 for married filing jointly / head of household. This represents an increase from the 2025 amounts of $3,350 / $6,700.
Is this calculator the same as the ADP Maryland paycheck calculator?
This calculator performs the same fundamental calculations as commercial payroll calculators like ADP. It uses identical 2026 federal brackets, Maryland state brackets, county rates, and FICA rates. The key advantage is that it is completely free, requires no signup, and provides transparent formulas so you can verify every calculation.
How is Maryland's bi-weekly paycheck calculated?
For a bi-weekly paycheck, your annual gross salary is divided by 26 pay periods. Annual taxes (federal, state, county, FICA) are also divided by 26 to determine per-period withholding. Post-tax deductions are subtracted per period to arrive at your net bi-weekly paycheck amount.
Does Maryland tax Social Security or retirement income?
Maryland does not tax Social Security benefits. There is also a pension exclusion of up to $39,500 for taxpayers aged 65 or older. However, other retirement income such as 401(k) and IRA withdrawals are subject to Maryland state and county income taxes at regular rates.
What are Maryland's reciprocal tax agreements?
Maryland has reciprocal agreements with Pennsylvania, Virginia, West Virginia, and Washington, D.C. This means if you live in Maryland and work in one of these states, you pay Maryland income tax — not the other state's tax. Your employer should withhold Maryland taxes (file Form MW507 to request this).
About This Calculator
This Maryland paycheck calculator was built by the RevisionTown team using data from the Maryland Comptroller of the Treasury and the Internal Revenue Service (IRS). All tax brackets, county rates, standard deductions, personal exemptions, and FICA parameters are verified against official 2026 publications.
Disclaimer: This calculator provides estimates for informational purposes only. It does not constitute tax advice. Individual circumstances — including additional income, itemized deductions, tax credits, and withholding elections — may cause actual paycheck amounts to differ. Consult a qualified CPA or tax advisor for personalized guidance. RevisionTown is not responsible for discrepancies between calculator results and actual tax withholding.
Last updated: March 2026 | Data sources: Maryland Comptroller (2026 tax tables), IRS (2026 federal brackets), Bloomberg Tax (county rate updates)