What is the sales tax rate in Maryland?

The Maryland sales tax rate is 6.000% statewide. This rate applies uniformly across all cities and counties in Maryland. There are no local sales taxes in Maryland.

Does Maryland have local sales tax?

No, Maryland does not have county or municipal sales taxes. The 6.000% state rate applies everywhere in Maryland, making it simpler and more consistent than most states.

What is Maryland's Tax-Free Week?

Maryland offers an annual Tax-Free Week for back-to-school shopping, typically held during the second week of August. During this period, qualifying clothing and footwear priced at $100 or less per item are exempt from sales tax. The first $40 of a backpack purchase is also exempt.

Are groceries taxed in Maryland?

No, most grocery items are exempt from sales tax in Maryland. Unprepared food products sold for off-premises consumption are tax-exempt. However, prepared foods (hot meals, carry-out), candy, and soda are taxable at the 6% rate.

Is clothing taxed in Maryland?

Yes, clothing and footwear are generally taxable in Maryland at the 6% rate. However, during the annual Tax-Free Week (typically in August), qualifying clothing and footwear items priced at $100 or less are exempt from sales tax.

Are prescription drugs taxed in Maryland?

No, prescription drugs are exempt from sales tax in Maryland. Additionally, corrective eyeglasses, diabetic care items, diapers, toothbrushes, and feminine hygiene products are also exempt.

Do I pay sales tax on used cars in Maryland?

Yes, Maryland charges 6.000% sales tax on motor vehicle purchases, whether new or used. The tax is calculated on the purchase price and must be paid when you register the vehicle. However, there is a cap on the taxable amount for vehicle sales.

When did Maryland last change its sales tax rate?

Maryland last changed its sales tax rate on January 1, 2007, when it increased from 5% to 6.000%. The rate has remained at 6% since then.

Do I pay Maryland sales tax on online purchases?

Yes, most online purchases delivered to Maryland addresses are subject to the 6.000% sales tax. Major online retailers typically collect this tax at checkout.

Sales Tax Calculator

Maryland Sales Tax
Calculator

Calculate Maryland sales tax instantly for any city. Enter any amount to see the exact tax and total.

State Rate

6.000%

Select City

Amount before tax

About Maryland Sales Tax

State rate: 6.000%

No local or county sales tax

Combined rate in Baltimore: 6.000%

State Rate

6.000%

Local Tax

Uniform Rate

6.00%

Montgomery County

6.000%

Standard Rate

68,417

City	County	Standard Rate	Special District	Population
Baltimore	Baltimore City	6.000%	Standard Rate	568,271
Columbia	Howard	6.000%	Standard Rate	105,871
Germantown	Montgomery	6.000%	Standard Rate	90,521
Frederick	Frederick	6.000%	Standard Rate	89,537
Waldorf	Charles	6.000%	Standard Rate	82,541
Silver Spring	Montgomery	6.000%	Standard Rate	82,129
Ellicott City	Howard	6.000%	Standard Rate	73,737
Glen Burnie	Anne Arundel	6.000%	Standard Rate	72,772
Gaithersburg	Montgomery	6.000%	Standard Rate	70,686
Rockville	Montgomery	6.000%	Standard Rate	68,417
Bethesda	Montgomery	6.000%	Standard Rate	67,403
Dundalk	Baltimore County	6.000%	Standard Rate	65,441
Bowie	Prince George’s	6.000%	Standard Rate	58,421
Severn	Anne Arundel	6.000%	Standard Rate	58,041
Bel Air South	Harford	6.000%	Standard Rate	57,702
Towson	Baltimore County	6.000%	Standard Rate	57,683
Aspen Hill	Montgomery	6.000%	Standard Rate	53,752
Wheaton	Montgomery	6.000%	Standard Rate	52,172
North Bethesda	Montgomery	6.000%	Standard Rate	49,498
Odenton	Anne Arundel	6.000%	Standard Rate	45,585
Hagerstown	Washington	6.000%	Standard Rate	43,909
Catonsville	Baltimore County	6.000%	Standard Rate	42,717
Annapolis	Anne Arundel	6.000%	Standard Rate	40,689
Woodlawn	Baltimore County	6.000%	Standard Rate	40,476
Severna Park	Anne Arundel	6.000%	Standard Rate	39,499
Clinton	Prince George’s	6.000%	Standard Rate	38,756
Randallstown	Baltimore County	6.000%	Standard Rate	35,975
Potomac	Montgomery	6.000%	Standard Rate	4,623
Essex	Baltimore County	6.000%	Standard Rate	4,067
Olney	Montgomery	6.000%	Standard Rate	360

Note: All Maryland cities charge the same 6.000% rate. There are no special districts or local taxes.

How to Calculate Sales Tax in Maryland

Sales Tax Calculation

Maryland

Example: Television Purchase

Determine the purchase price

Purchase price (before tax) $500.00

Multiply by the tax rate

$500.00 × 6.000% (0.06)

Sales tax $30.00

Add to the original price

$500.00 + $30.00

TOTAL AMOUNT DUE $530.00

Thank you for your purchase

Reverse Calculation

Know the total? Divide by 1.06 to find the pre-tax price. Example: $106.00 ÷ 1.06 = $100.00

What's Taxed?

Taxable: Electronics, furniture, clothing

Exempt: Groceries, prescriptions

Special Maryland Sales Tax Rules

Tax-Free Week for Back-to-School

Maryland offers an annual Tax-Free Week, typically held during the second week of August. This sales tax holiday helps families save on back-to-school purchases.

What qualifies: During Tax-Free Week, the following items are exempt from sales tax:

•
Clothing & Footwear: Items priced $100 or less per item
•
Backpacks: First $40 of a backpack purchase is exempt

Example: A $95 pair of shoes purchased during Tax-Free Week = $95 (no tax). A $150 jacket = $159 (taxed on full amount).

Typical Tax-Free Week

Usually held the second week of August, typically Sunday through Saturday. The exact dates vary each year, so check the Maryland Comptroller's website for current year dates.

Tax-Exempt Items

Maryland exempts several categories from sales tax

•
Groceries: Most unprepared food for off-premises consumption (prepared foods, candy, soda are taxable)
•
Prescription Drugs: Medications prescribed by licensed healthcare providers
•
Medical Items: Corrective eyeglasses, diabetic care items, diapers, toothbrushes
•
Feminine Hygiene Products: Tampons, pads, and similar items
•
Manufacturing Equipment: Machinery used in production
•
Agricultural Products: Seeds, feed, and farm equipment

Note: Maryland's exemption for personal hygiene items like toothbrushes, diapers, and feminine products is broader than most states, providing relief for essential household items.

How Maryland Compares to Neighboring States

Here's how Maryland's sales tax stacks up against nearby states

6.000%

Pennsylvania

6.00%

No local tax

Delaware

0.00%

No sales tax!

Maryland

6.000%

No local tax

#34 of 50 states

Virginia

5.30%

+ up to 1.7%
local tax

West Virginia

6.00%

+ up to 1%
local tax

Maryland's uniform rate is similar to Pennsylvania and simpler than Virginia. Neighboring Delaware has no sales tax at all.

Got Questions?

Frequently Asked Questions

Maryland Sales Tax Rate History

Maryland's sales tax was first enacted in 1947. Here's the history:

Effective Date	Rate	Change	Notes
January 1, 2007	6.0%	▲ +1.0%	Current rate (increased from 5%)
Before 2007	5.0%	—	Previous rate (many years)
1947	2.0%	—	Original Maryland sales tax enacted

Note: The 2007 increase to 6% was part of Governor Martin O'Malley's budget package to address the state's fiscal challenges. The rate has remained stable since then.

Related Calculators & Resources

Calculator

Reverse Sales Tax

Find original price from total

State Calculator

Pennsylvania

Calculate PA sales tax

Calculate VA sales tax

State Calculator

West Virginia

Calculate WV sales tax

Resources

Official MD Tax Info

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Disclaimer: This calculator provides estimates based on current Maryland sales tax rates as of January 2025. Tax rates are subject to change by state legislation. For official tax rates and specific guidance on your situation, please consult the Comptroller of Maryland or a qualified tax professional.

Not Legal or Tax Advice: The information provided on this page is for informational purposes only and should not be construed as legal or tax advice. Always verify current rates before making large purchases or business decisions.

Sources: Comptroller of Maryland, Maryland Tax-General Code § 11-101 et seq. (Sales and Use Tax)

Last updated: October 10, 2025