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Free Maryland Sales Tax Calculator

Disclaimer: All rates and figures on this page are estimates for general informational purposes only and are not financial, tax, or legal advice. Sales tax rates change and vary by city, county, and the type of item purchased. Verify current rates with the Maryland Department of Revenue before relying on these figures, and consult a qualified tax professional for specific guidance.

Calculate sales tax on any purchase in Maryland. The state sales tax rate is 6%, and when combined with the average local rate of 0%, the total average in Maryland comes to 6.00%. Actual rates vary by city and county.

Maryland Sales Tax Rates

State Rate
6%
Avg Local Rate
0%
Combined Average
6.00%

Quick Reference

Maryland imposes both state and county income taxes exceeding 8% combined.

State income tax: 5.75% top rate

Maryland Sales Tax Table

Quick reference for common purchase amounts at the 6.00% combined average rate:

Purchase Price Sales Tax Total
$10 $0.60 $10.60
$25 $1.50 $26.50
$50 $3.00 $53.00
$100 $6.00 $106.00
$250 $15.00 $265.00
$500 $30.00 $530.00
$1,000 $60.00 $1060.00
$2,500 $150.00 $2650.00
$5,000 $300.00 $5300.00

How Maryland Sales Tax Works

Sales tax in Maryland is collected at the point of sale on most tangible goods and some services. The state portion of 6% is uniform statewide, while local jurisdictions may add their own rates, averaging 0% across the state. Certain items like groceries and prescription medications may be exempt or taxed at reduced rates.

When budgeting in Maryland, remember that sales tax affects your purchasing power. With a median home value of $401,500 and a property tax rate of 1.05%, understanding all taxes helps you make informed financial decisions.

Maryland Sales Tax vs. the National Picture

At 6% combined (state plus average local), Maryland's sales tax ranks 38th-highest nationally — below the national median of 7%.

Maryland adds no local sales taxes, so the 6% state rate is exactly what you pay at the register everywhere in Maryland.

Combined state-plus-local averages nearby: Delaware (no sales tax); Pennsylvania (6.34%); Virginia (4.73%); West Virginia (6.39%). Delaware charges no sales tax at all.

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Frequently Asked Questions

What is the sales tax rate in Maryland? +
The Maryland state sales tax rate is 6%. With the average local sales tax of 0%, the combined rate is approximately 6.00%. Actual rates vary by city and county — some localities charge higher or lower local rates.
How do I calculate Maryland sales tax on a purchase? +
Multiply the pre-tax price by the applicable tax rate as a decimal. For example, on a $100 purchase at the combined 6.00% rate: $100 x 0.0600 = $6.00 in tax, for a total of $106.00. Our calculator handles this automatically for any amount.
Are groceries taxed in Maryland? +
Grocery taxation varies by state. In Maryland, the rules depend on the type of food item. Generally, unprepared food for home consumption may be taxed at a reduced rate or exempt, while prepared meals and restaurant food are subject to the full 6.00% combined rate. Check your local jurisdiction for specific exemptions.
Does Maryland charge sales tax on online purchases? +
Yes. Since the 2018 Supreme Court ruling in South Dakota v. Wayfair, Maryland requires out-of-state online retailers that meet economic nexus thresholds to collect and remit Maryland sales tax. This means most online purchases are subject to the same 6% state rate plus applicable local taxes.
What items are exempt from Maryland sales tax? +
Common exemptions in most states include prescription medications, medical devices, and certain essential services. Maryland may also exempt specific categories like clothing, agricultural supplies, or manufacturing equipment. During designated sales tax holidays, additional items may be temporarily exempt. Check Maryland's Department of Revenue for the current exemption list.
Why is the sales tax rate the same everywhere in Maryland? +
Maryland does not layer local sales taxes on top of the state rate, so the 6% state rate applies uniformly in every city and county. In most states local add-ons change the total from place to place; in Maryland, what you see is what you pay.
Is Maryland a high sales tax state? +
Maryland's 6% combined average ranks 38th-highest nationally, below the national median of 7%. For the full picture, the state also levies a graduated income tax topping out at 5.75%.
How does Maryland sales tax compare with neighboring states? +
Rates change the moment you cross a border. Combined state-plus-local averages for nearby states: Delaware (no sales tax); Pennsylvania (6.34%); Virginia (4.73%); West Virginia (6.39%) — versus 6% in Maryland. Delaware charges no sales tax at all.

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