Maryland's state sales tax rate is 6%. When city and county taxes are added, the average combined rate across the state is 6%, and rates can reach as high as 6% in some areas. Use the calculator above to find the exact tax and total for any purchase.
- State rate: 6% - average combined (state + local): 6%
- Groceries: Exempt | Prescription drugs: Exempt
- Maryland has no local sales taxes, so a flat 6% applies statewide. Groceries, prescription drugs, and OTC medications are all exempt.
- The national average combined rate is 7% (Tax Foundation, 2026).
How to calculate Maryland sales tax
Enter your ZIP code in the calculator above for the exact local rate at your address - the tool matches it instantly and auto-fills the rate. Without a ZIP, it defaults to Maryland's 6% average combined rate. At that average, a $100 item costs $106.00 total.
The formula is straightforward:
- Tax amount = Pre-tax price x (Rate / 100)
- Total price = Pre-tax price + Tax amount
To reverse the calculation (find the pre-tax price from a total you already paid), switch to Remove tax mode. The formula is: Pre-tax price = Total / (1 + Rate / 100).
The default rate in the calculator is 6% - Maryland's statewide average combined rate. If you know your specific city or county rate, enter it in the rate override field for a more precise result. City rates for Maryland's major areas are listed in the table below.
Maryland sales tax rates 2026
Maryland's tax structure puts it below the national average combined rate of 7%. Here is a breakdown of the rate structure (Tax Foundation, 2026):
| Rate type | Rate | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| State rate | 6% | Applies statewide on all taxable items |
| Average combined | 6% | State + typical local - what most residents pay |
| Maximum combined | 6% | Highest rate found anywhere in the state |
| National average | 7% | For comparison |
What is exempt from Maryland sales tax?
Not all purchases are taxed equally in Maryland. Key exemptions reduce the tax burden on essentials. Prescription drugs are exempt - a standard exemption in most states. Groceries are exempt, which has a significant impact on household budgets.
| Category | Maryland treatment |
|---|---|
| Groceries / food | Exempt |
| Prescription drugs | Exempt |
| OTC medications | Exempt |
| Clothing | Taxable |
Exemptions are set at the state level but may not override local taxes. When a category is "exempt" from the state rate, local taxes may still apply in some jurisdictions. Always confirm with your local tax authority for high-value purchases.
Remove tax: find the pre-tax price
If you have a receipt and want to know what the item cost before tax, you need the reverse sales tax calculation. This is common when comparing advertised prices, calculating business expenses, or verifying a charge.
The reverse formula divides the total by (1 + rate). At Maryland's 6% average rate: Pre-tax = Total / 1.0600. For example, if you paid $106.00, the pre-tax price was $100.00 and the tax was $6.00.
Use the Remove tax mode in the calculator above. Enter what you paid, and the tool instantly splits out the pre-tax price and the tax amount.
Maryland sales tax tips
A few practical tips for shopping and doing business in Maryland:
- Use the combined rate, not just the state rate. The 6% state rate understates what you actually pay in most of Maryland. The 6% average combined rate is the more useful benchmark.
- Check for tax-free weekends. Several states run annual tax holidays on clothing and school supplies. Check the Maryland Department of Revenue website for current year dates.
- Exemption documentation. If you are buying exempt items (resale, manufacturing, agriculture), you typically need to provide an exemption certificate. Keep copies for your records.
- Online purchases. If you buy from an online seller with economic nexus in Maryland, Maryland sales tax applies at your delivery address rate. Small sellers below the economic nexus threshold (usually $100,000 in annual sales) may not collect it.
Frequently asked questions
What is the sales tax rate in Maryland?
Maryland's state sales tax rate is 6%. When local taxes are factored in, most residents pay around 6% - the statewide average combined rate. Rates can reach as high as 6% in some cities or counties.
Are groceries taxed in Maryland?
Groceries in Maryland are: Exempt. Prescription drugs are exempt, and OTC medications are exempt.
How do I calculate sales tax in Maryland?
Multiply the pre-tax price by the decimal form of the rate. At Maryland's 6% average: Tax = Price x 0.0600. A $50 item has a $3.00 tax, making the total $53.00. Use the calculator on this page for instant results.
How do I remove sales tax from a total in Maryland?
Divide the total by 1.0600 to get the pre-tax price. For example, if you paid $106.00, the pre-tax price was $100.00. Switch to Remove Tax mode in the calculator above to do this automatically.
How does Maryland's sales tax compare to other states?
Maryland's 6% average combined rate is below the national average of 7%. See our US sales tax map to compare all 50 states side by side.
Maryland sales tax rates by city 2026
Combined sales tax rates vary significantly across Maryland's cities and counties. The figures below represent the total combined rate (state + county + city) as of 2026. Use the rate override field in the calculator to apply your exact local rate.
| City | Combined rate | vs. state avg |
|---|---|---|
| Baltimore | 6% | avg |
| Silver Spring | 6% | avg |
| Bethesda | 6% | avg |
| Gaithersburg | 6% | avg |
| Annapolis | 6% | avg |
| Rockville | 6% | avg |
| Bowie | 6% | avg |
| Hyattsville | 6% | avg |
| Laurel | 6% | avg |
| Frederick | 6% | avg |
| Hagerstown | 6% | avg |
| Capitol Heights | 6% | avg |
| Cumberland | 6% | avg |
| Upper Marlboro | 6% | avg |
| Salisbury | 6% | avg |
| Waldorf | 6% | avg |
| College Park | 6% | avg |
| Columbia | 6% | avg |
| Ellicott City | 6% | avg |
| Germantown | 6% | avg |
| Glen Burnie | 6% | avg |
| Greenbelt | 6% | avg |
| Towson | 6% | avg |
| Bel Air | 6% | avg |
| Beltsville | 6% | avg |
| Chestertown | 6% | avg |
| Chevy Chase | 6% | avg |
| District Heights | 6% | avg |
| Elkton | 6% | avg |
| Fort Washington | 6% | avg |
| Hunt Valley | 6% | avg |
| Kensington | 6% | avg |
| Lanham | 6% | avg |
| Lutherville Timonium | 6% | avg |
| Ocean City | 6% | avg |
| Olney | 6% | avg |
| Oxon Hill | 6% | avg |
| Pasadena | 6% | avg |
| Potomac | 6% | avg |
| Riverdale | 6% | avg |
| Southern Md Facility | 6% | avg |
| Suitland | 6% | avg |
| Takoma Park | 6% | avg |
| Temple Hills | 6% | avg |
| Westminster | 6% | avg |
| Westover | 6% | avg |
| Abell | 6% | avg |
| Aberdeen | 6% | avg |
| Aberdeen Proving Ground | 6% | avg |
| Abingdon | 6% | avg |
| Accident | 6% | avg |
| Accokeek | 6% | avg |
| Adamstown | 6% | avg |
| Allen | 6% | avg |
| Andrews Air Force Base | 6% | avg |
| Annapolis Junction | 6% | avg |
| Aquasco | 6% | avg |
| Arnold | 6% | avg |
| Ashton | 6% | avg |
| Avenue | 6% | avg |
| Baldwin | 6% | avg |
| Barclay | 6% | avg |
| Barnesville | 6% | avg |
| Barstow | 6% | avg |
| Barton | 6% | avg |
| Beallsville | 6% | avg |
| Bel Alton | 6% | avg |
| Belcamp | 6% | avg |
| Benedict | 6% | avg |
| Benson | 6% | avg |
| Berlin | 6% | avg |
| Bethlehem | 6% | avg |
| Betterton | 6% | avg |
| Big Pool | 6% | avg |
| Bishopville | 6% | avg |
| Bittinger | 6% | avg |
| Bivalve | 6% | avg |
| Bladensburg | 6% | avg |
| Bloomington | 6% | avg |
| Boonsboro | 6% | avg |
| Boring | 6% | avg |
| Boyds | 6% | avg |
| Bozman | 6% | avg |
| Braddock Heights | 6% | avg |
| Brandywine | 6% | avg |
| Brentwood | 6% | avg |
| Brinklow | 6% | avg |
| Brookeville | 6% | avg |
| Brooklandville | 6% | avg |
| Brooklyn | 6% | avg |
| Broomes Island | 6% | avg |
| Brownsville | 6% | avg |
| Brunswick | 6% | avg |
| Bryans Road | 6% | avg |
| Bryantown | 6% | avg |
| Buckeystown | 6% | avg |
| Burkittsville | 6% | avg |
| Burtonsville | 6% | avg |
| Bushwood | 6% | avg |
| Butler | 6% | avg |
| Cabin John | 6% | avg |
| California | 6% | avg |
| Callaway | 6% | avg |
| Cambridge | 6% | avg |
| Cascade | 6% | avg |
| Catonsville | 6% | avg |
| Cavetown | 6% | avg |
| Cecilton | 6% | avg |
| Centreville | 6% | avg |
| Chaptico | 6% | avg |
| Charlestown | 6% | avg |
| Charlotte Hall | 6% | avg |
| Chase | 6% | avg |
| Cheltenham | 6% | avg |
| Chesapeake Beach | 6% | avg |
| Chesapeake City | 6% | avg |
| Chester | 6% | avg |
| Chewsville | 6% | avg |
| Childs | 6% | avg |
| Church Creek | 6% | avg |
| Church Hill | 6% | avg |
| Churchton | 6% | avg |
| Churchville | 6% | avg |
| Claiborne | 6% | avg |
| Clarksburg | 6% | avg |
| Clarksville | 6% | avg |
| Clear Spring | 6% | avg |
| Clements | 6% | avg |
| Clinton | 6% | avg |
| Cobb Island | 6% | avg |
| Cockeysville | 6% | avg |
| Colora | 6% | avg |
| Coltons Point | 6% | avg |
| Compton | 6% | avg |
| Conowingo | 6% | avg |
| Cooksville | 6% | avg |
| Cordova | 6% | avg |
| Corriganville | 6% | avg |
| Crapo | 6% | avg |
| Crisfield | 6% | avg |
| Crocheron | 6% | avg |
| Crofton | 6% | avg |
| Crownsville | 6% | avg |
| Crumpton | 6% | avg |
| Curtis Bay | 6% | avg |
| Damascus | 6% | avg |
| Dameron | 6% | avg |
| Darlington | 6% | avg |
| Davidsonville | 6% | avg |
| Dayton | 6% | avg |
| Deal Island | 6% | avg |
| Deale | 6% | avg |
| Delmar | 6% | avg |
| Denton | 6% | avg |
| Derwood | 6% | avg |
| Dhs | 6% | avg |
| Dickerson | 6% | avg |
| Dowell | 6% | avg |
| Drayden | 6% | avg |
| Dundalk | 6% | avg |
| Dunkirk | 6% | avg |
| Earleville | 6% | avg |
| East New Market | 6% | avg |
| Easton | 6% | avg |
| Eckhart Mines | 6% | avg |
| Eden | 6% | avg |
| Edgewater | 6% | avg |
| Edgewood | 6% | avg |
| Elk Mills | 6% | avg |
| Elkridge | 6% | avg |
| Ellerslie | 6% | avg |
| Emmitsburg | 6% | avg |
| Essex | 6% | avg |
| Ewell | 6% | avg |
| Fairplay | 6% | avg |
| Fallston | 6% | avg |
| Faulkner | 6% | avg |
| Federalsburg | 6% | avg |
| Finksburg | 6% | avg |
| Fishing Creek | 6% | avg |
| Flintstone | 6% | avg |
| Forest Hill | 6% | avg |
| Fork | 6% | avg |
| Fort George G Meade | 6% | avg |
| Fort Howard | 6% | avg |
| Freeland | 6% | avg |
| Friendship | 6% | avg |
| Friendsville | 6% | avg |
| Frostburg | 6% | avg |
| Fruitland | 6% | avg |
| Fulton | 6% | avg |
| Funkstown | 6% | avg |
| Galena | 6% | avg |
| Galesville | 6% | avg |
| Gambrills | 6% | avg |
| Garrett Park | 6% | avg |
| Georgetown | 6% | avg |
| Gibson Island | 6% | avg |
| Girdletree | 6% | avg |
| Glen Arm | 6% | avg |
| Glen Echo | 6% | avg |
| Glenelg | 6% | avg |
| Glenn Dale | 6% | avg |
| Glenwood | 6% | avg |
| Glyndon | 6% | avg |
| Goldsboro | 6% | avg |
| Grantsville | 6% | avg |
| Grasonville | 6% | avg |
| Great Mills | 6% | avg |
| Greensboro | 6% | avg |
| Gunpowder | 6% | avg |
| Gwynn Oak | 6% | avg |
| Halethorpe | 6% | avg |
| Hampstead | 6% | avg |
| Hancock | 6% | avg |
| Hanover | 6% | avg |
| Harmans | 6% | avg |
| Harwood | 6% | avg |
| Havre De Grace | 6% | avg |
| Hebron | 6% | avg |
| Henderson | 6% | avg |
| Highland | 6% | avg |
| Hillsboro | 6% | avg |
| Hollywood | 6% | avg |
| Hughesville | 6% | avg |
| Huntingtown | 6% | avg |
| Hurlock | 6% | avg |
| Hydes | 6% | avg |
| Ijamsville | 6% | avg |
| Indian Head | 6% | avg |
| Ingleside | 6% | avg |
| Issue | 6% | avg |
| Jarrettsville | 6% | avg |
| Jefferson | 6% | avg |
| Jessup | 6% | avg |
| Joppa | 6% | avg |
| Keedysville | 6% | avg |
| Kennedyville | 6% | avg |
| Keymar | 6% | avg |
| Kingsville | 6% | avg |
| Kitzmiller | 6% | avg |
| Knoxville | 6% | avg |
| La Plata | 6% | avg |
| Ladiesburg | 6% | avg |
| Leonardtown | 6% | avg |
| Lexington Park | 6% | avg |
| Libertytown | 6% | avg |
| Lineboro | 6% | avg |
| Linkwood | 6% | avg |
| Linthicum Heights | 6% | avg |
| Lisbon | 6% | avg |
| Little Orleans | 6% | avg |
| Lonaconing | 6% | avg |
| Long Green | 6% | avg |
| Lothian | 6% | avg |
| Loveville | 6% | avg |
| Luke | 6% | avg |
| Lusby | 6% | avg |
| Madison | 6% | avg |
| Manchester | 6% | avg |
| Manokin | 6% | avg |
| Marbury | 6% | avg |
| Mardela Springs | 6% | avg |
| Marion Station | 6% | avg |
| Marriottsville | 6% | avg |
| Marydel | 6% | avg |
| Maryland Line | 6% | avg |
| Massey | 6% | avg |
| Maugansville | 6% | avg |
| Mayo | 6% | avg |
| Mc Henry | 6% | avg |
| Mcdaniel | 6% | avg |
| Mechanicsville | 6% | avg |
| Middle River | 6% | avg |
| Middletown | 6% | avg |
| Midland | 6% | avg |
| Midlothian | 6% | avg |
| Millersville | 6% | avg |
| Millington | 6% | avg |
| Monkton | 6% | avg |
| Monrovia | 6% | avg |
| Montgomery Village | 6% | avg |
| Morganza | 6% | avg |
| Mount Airy | 6% | avg |
| Mount Rainier | 6% | avg |
| Mount Savage | 6% | avg |
| Mount Victoria | 6% | avg |
| Myersville | 6% | avg |
| Nanjemoy | 6% | avg |
| Nanticoke | 6% | avg |
| Neavitt | 6% | avg |
| New Market | 6% | avg |
| New Midway | 6% | avg |
| New Windsor | 6% | avg |
| Newark | 6% | avg |
| Newburg | 6% | avg |
| Newcomb | 6% | avg |
| North Beach | 6% | avg |
| North East | 6% | avg |
| Nottingham | 6% | avg |
| Oakland | 6% | avg |
| Odenton | 6% | avg |
| Oldtown | 6% | avg |
| Owings | 6% | avg |
| Owings Mills | 6% | avg |
| Oxford | 6% | avg |
| Park Hall | 6% | avg |
| Parkton | 6% | avg |
| Parkville | 6% | avg |
| Parsonsburg | 6% | avg |
| Patuxent River | 6% | avg |
| Perry Hall | 6% | avg |
| Perry Point | 6% | avg |
| Perryman | 6% | avg |
| Perryville | 6% | avg |
| Phoenix | 6% | avg |
| Pikesville | 6% | avg |
| Piney Point | 6% | avg |
| Pinto | 6% | avg |
| Pittsville | 6% | avg |
| Pocomoke City | 6% | avg |
| Point Of Rocks | 6% | avg |
| Pomfret | 6% | avg |
| Poolesville | 6% | avg |
| Port Deposit | 6% | avg |
| Port Republic | 6% | avg |
| Port Tobacco | 6% | avg |
| Powellville | 6% | avg |
| Preston | 6% | avg |
| Price | 6% | avg |
| Prince Frederick | 6% | avg |
| Princess Anne | 6% | avg |
| Pylesville | 6% | avg |
| Quantico | 6% | avg |
| Queen Anne | 6% | avg |
| Queenstown | 6% | avg |
| Randallstown | 6% | avg |
| Rawlings | 6% | avg |
| Rehobeth | 6% | avg |
| Reisterstown | 6% | avg |
| Rhodesdale | 6% | avg |
| Riderwood | 6% | avg |
| Ridge | 6% | avg |
| Ridgely | 6% | avg |
| Rising Sun | 6% | avg |
| Riva | 6% | avg |
| Rock Hall | 6% | avg |
| Rock Point | 6% | avg |
| Rocky Ridge | 6% | avg |
| Rohrersville | 6% | avg |
| Rosedale | 6% | avg |
| Royal Oak | 6% | avg |
| Sabillasville | 6% | avg |
| Saint Inigoes | 6% | avg |
| Saint James | 6% | avg |
| Saint Leonard | 6% | avg |
| Saint Marys City | 6% | avg |
| Saint Michaels | 6% | avg |
| Sandy Spring | 6% | avg |
| Savage | 6% | avg |
| Scotland | 6% | avg |
| Seaford | 6% | avg |
| Secretary | 6% | avg |
| Severn | 6% | avg |
| Severna Park | 6% | avg |
| Shady Side | 6% | avg |
| Sharpsburg | 6% | avg |
| Sharptown | 6% | avg |
| Sherwood | 6% | avg |
| Showell | 6% | avg |
| Simpsonville | 6% | avg |
| Smithsburg | 6% | avg |
| Snow Hill | 6% | avg |
| Solomons | 6% | avg |
| Sparks Glencoe | 6% | avg |
| Sparrows Point | 6% | avg |
| Spencerville | 6% | avg |
| Spring Gap | 6% | avg |
| Stevenson | 6% | avg |
| Stevensville | 6% | avg |
| Still Pond | 6% | avg |
| Stockton | 6% | avg |
| Street | 6% | avg |
| Suburb Maryland Fac | 6% | avg |
| Sudlersville | 6% | avg |
| Sunderland | 6% | avg |
| Swanton | 6% | avg |
| Sykesville | 6% | avg |
| Tall Timbers | 6% | avg |
| Taneytown | 6% | avg |
| Taylors Island | 6% | avg |
| Templeville | 6% | avg |
| Thurmont | 6% | avg |
| Tilghman | 6% | avg |
| Toddville | 6% | avg |
| Tracys Landing | 6% | avg |
| Trappe | 6% | avg |
| Tuscarora | 6% | avg |
| Tyaskin | 6% | avg |
| Tylerton | 6% | avg |
| Union Bridge | 6% | avg |
| Unionville | 6% | avg |
| Upper Fairmount | 6% | avg |
| Upper Falls | 6% | avg |
| Upperco | 6% | avg |
| Valley Lee | 6% | avg |
| Vienna | 6% | avg |
| Walkersville | 6% | avg |
| Warwick | 6% | avg |
| Washington Grove | 6% | avg |
| Welcome | 6% | avg |
| West Friendship | 6% | avg |
| West River | 6% | avg |
| Westernport | 6% | avg |
| Whaleyville | 6% | avg |
| White Hall | 6% | avg |
| White Marsh | 6% | avg |
| White Plains | 6% | avg |
| Whiteford | 6% | avg |
| Willards | 6% | avg |
| Williamsport | 6% | avg |
| Windsor Mill | 6% | avg |
| Wingate | 6% | avg |
| Wittman | 6% | avg |
| Woodbine | 6% | avg |
| Woodsboro | 6% | avg |
| Woodstock | 6% | avg |
| Woolford | 6% | avg |
| Worton | 6% | avg |
| Wye Mills | 6% | avg |
To find the combined rate for a specific address in Maryland, use the Avalara rate lookup tool or check your city or county government website.
Maryland sales tax rates by county 2026
County-level combined rates across Maryland, sourced from Avalara AvaTax (updated 2026-04). The combined rate shown is the median across ZIP codes in each county - individual addresses may vary by special district.
| County | Combined rate | vs. state avg |
|---|---|---|
| Allegany County | 6% | avg |
| Anne Arundel County | 6% | avg |
| Baltimore (City) County | 6% | avg |
| Baltimore County | 6% | avg |
| Calvert County | 6% | avg |
| Caroline County | 6% | avg |
| Carroll County | 6% | avg |
| Cecil County | 6% | avg |
| Charles County | 6% | avg |
| Dorchester County | 6% | avg |
| Frederick County | 6% | avg |
| Garrett County | 6% | avg |
| Harford County | 6% | avg |
| Howard County | 6% | avg |
| Kent County | 6% | avg |
| Montgomery County | 6% | avg |
| Prince George'S County | 6% | avg |
| Queen Anne'S County | 6% | avg |
| Somerset County | 6% | avg |
| St. Mary'S County | 6% | avg |
| Sussex County | 6% | avg |
| Talbot County | 6% | avg |
| Washington County | 6% | avg |
| Wicomico County | 6% | avg |
| Worcester County | 6% | avg |