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Maryland Paycheck Guide

Maryland uses progressive tax brackets. Higher portions of pay are taxed at higher rates.

PI
Reviewed by PayslipIQ Editorial Team, in-house payroll editor
Last reviewed May 2026 · Editorial standards on methodology

PayslipIQ provides educational information and estimated calculations only. It does not provide tax, legal, financial, accounting, employment, benefits, or payroll advice. PayslipIQ is not a CPA firm, law firm, financial advisor, payroll provider, or tax authority. Always verify your paycheck, deductions, withholdings, and tax position with your employer's payroll department, a qualified CPA, the IRS, your state tax authority, or another appropriately qualified professional. Calculations are estimates; your actual paycheck may differ based on factors specific to your employer, location, benefits elections, and personal tax situation.

Maryland: the local picture

Maryland runs a graduated state income tax with a top rate of 5.75%. Every Maryland county and Baltimore City also levies a local income tax of 2.25% to 3.20%. Combined effective rate can approach 9% for high earners.

Maryland Paycheck Calculator

Estimate take-home pay for Maryland.

Maryland State Tax

Maryland tax structure and rates.

Maryland Overtime

Federal FLSA applies.

Maryland Pay Stub Laws

Employer pay stub requirements in Maryland.

How a Maryland paycheck is built

Every Maryland worker pays federal income tax, calculated on the W-4 you submitted to your employer using the IRS Publication 15-T tables. Federal income tax is followed by FICA: 6.2 percent Social Security up to the annual wage base, plus 1.45 percent Medicare on every dollar. The 0.9 percent Additional Medicare Tax applies once year-to-date wages cross $200,000 single or $250,000 married filing jointly.

Maryland adds progressive state income tax. The bracket you fall into depends on filing status and taxable income. Verify current brackets with the Comptroller of Maryland.

Local taxes: Maryland has cities or counties that levy local income tax on top of state tax. Common examples are noted on the local-tax page.

Paid Family Leave: Maryland has a Paid Family Leave program with employee-paid premiums.

What changed recently in Maryland

  • No state-level rate change for 2025-2026.
  • County rates adjusted by individual counties.
  • Maryland Family and Medical Leave Insurance (FAMLI) program funding starts 2026 if budget allows.

Maryland payroll quirks workers should know

  • County income tax shows on every Maryland paycheck.
  • Determined by county of residence, not work location.
  • Maryland MW-507 form for state and county withholding.

Example breakdown

A hypothetical Maryland worker on a $65,000 annual salary, paid bi-weekly, single filer, no extra adjustments. Educational only, your real paycheck differs.

Gross (bi-weekly)$2500.00
Federal income tax-$250.00
Social Security (6.2%)-$155.00
Medicare (1.45%)-$36.25
Maryland state tax-$112.50
Estimated take-home$1946.25

Run your own numbers in the Maryland paycheck calculator.

Authoritative sources

Frequently asked questions

Does Maryland have state income tax?
Yes. Maryland uses progressive brackets. Verify with the Comptroller of Maryland.
Are there local income taxes in Maryland?
Yes. Maryland has cities or counties that add local income tax on top of state tax. Check your specific city.
Does Maryland have State Disability Insurance or Paid Family Leave premiums?
Maryland has a Paid Family Leave program with employee-paid premiums.
Does Maryland have daily-overtime rules?
No. Maryland follows federal FLSA: 1.5x for hours above 40 in a workweek.
What is FICA on a Maryland paycheck?
FICA is federal: 6.2 percent Social Security up to the annual wage base, plus 1.45 percent Medicare on every dollar. The 0.9 percent Additional Medicare Tax applies above $200,000 single or $250,000 married filing jointly. FICA applies in every state.
Where do I verify Maryland state tax withholding?
The Comptroller of Maryland (https://www.marylandtaxes.gov/) is the authoritative source. For your specific paycheck, contact your employer's payroll team or a CPA.
Why is my Maryland county tax higher than my friend in another county?
Each Maryland county sets its own local income tax rate, ranging from 2.25% to 3.20%. Howard County, Montgomery County, and Prince George's County are at the top end. Your stub deducts based on where you live.
I moved counties mid-year. Does my withholding change?
Yes. Update your MW-507 with the new county code so your withholding tracks the new local rate.