How Paycheck Taxes Work in Maryland
How paycheck taxes work in Maryland: Your employer withholds federal income tax based on your W-4, then Maryland state income tax using state withholding tables. Social Security (6.2%) and Medicare (1.45%) are also deducted from each paycheck. Maryland's tax structure is unique because it combines state income tax with local (county) income taxes, which can significantly increase the total tax burden. The state rate tops out at 5.75%, but when combined with local taxes (which can reach up to 3.2%), the effective rate can be much higher. Taxpayers must consider both state and local withholding when estimating take-home pay, making Maryland one of the more complex states for paycheck calculation.
Maryland State Tax Information
Maryland employs a progressive state income tax system with rates ranging from 2% to 5.75%, plus local jurisdictional taxes.
Maryland's tax structure is unique because it combines state income tax with local (county) income taxes, which can significantly increase the total tax burden. The state rate tops out at 5.75%, but when combined with local taxes (which can reach up to 3.2%), the effective rate can be much higher. Taxpayers must consider both state and local withholding when estimating take-home pay, making Maryland one of the more complex states for paycheck calculation.
Maryland is a better state to model carefully when you are comparing job offers, relocations, or remote-work options because state withholding can materially change annual take-home pay.
Federal Income Tax
Federal income tax uses progressive brackets: higher income is taxed at higher rates, not all at one rate. The standard deduction reduces taxable income before brackets apply, and your W-4 affects how much is withheld through the year.
Social Security
Social Security tax (FICA) is 6.2% of wages up to the annual wage base ($184,500 in 2026). Both employee and employer pay this amount; this calculator shows the employee portion.
Medicare
Medicare tax is 1.45% on all wages with no cap. High earners pay an additional 0.9% on wages above $200,000 (single) or $250,000 (married filing jointly).