Maryland Paycheck Calculator 2026

Maryland Payroll Tax Overview

Maryland uses a graduated state income tax system with a top marginal rate of 6.5% (6.25% above $500,000 and 6.5% above $1 million for single filers, brackets added for 2025). Most wages fall in the 4.75% bracket, so your effective state tax rate will be well below the top rate. Workers in Maryland pay state income tax on top of federal income tax (10%–37%), Social Security (6.2%), and Medicare (1.45%).

The 2026 federal income tax brackets for single filers (IRS Rev. Proc. 2025-32): 10% on the first $12,400 of taxable income; 12% to $50,400; 22% to $105,700; 24% to $201,775; 32% to $256,225; 35% to $640,600; 37% above, after a $16,100 standard deduction ($32,200 married filing jointly). Pre-tax deductions (401k, health insurance, HSA) reduce your taxable income before both federal and state taxes are applied.

This calculator applies Maryland's 2026 brackets to your wages after the $3,400 standard deduction and the $3,200 personal exemption, then adds county income tax on the same Maryland taxable income (default 3.20%, the rate in most counties — change it to match your county).

Federal vs Maryland Tax Burden

For a Maryland single filer earning $60,000 annually, estimated federal income tax is roughly $5,020 (8.4% effective rate), plus Maryland state income tax of about $2,484, county income tax of about $1,709 at 3.20%, Social Security $3,720, and Medicare $870. Estimated annual take-home: around $46,200.

States with graduated income tax rates like Maryland apply higher rates only to income above each threshold — similar to how federal tax brackets work. Your effective state tax rate will be lower than the top 6.5% marginal rate unless nearly all your income falls in the top bracket.

To reduce your Maryland paycheck tax burden, maximize pre-tax deductions: 401(k) contributions (up to $24,500 in 2026), HSA contributions (up to $4,400 for self-only coverage), and employer-sponsored health insurance premiums all lower both federal and state taxable income.

How to Use This Maryland Paycheck Calculator

Enter your pay period (weekly, biweekly, semimonthly, monthly, or annual), then input either your annual gross salary or your hourly rate and average hours per week. Select your federal filing status — single, married filing jointly, married filing separately, or head of household — as this determines your federal tax brackets and standard deduction.

If you have pre-tax deductions such as a 401(k) contribution, health insurance premium, or HSA contribution, enter the total per-period dollar amount. These reduce your taxable income before federal and state taxes are calculated. The calculator will show federal income tax, Social Security (6.2%), Medicare (1.45%), Maryland state income tax (2%–6.5% brackets), county income tax, your total deductions, and your net take-home pay — both per period and annualized.

Results are estimates based on standard assumptions and 2026 tax rates. Actual withholding may differ based on your W-4 elections, additional withholding, local taxes (in some cities), or retirement plan contribution limits. For precise payroll calculations, consult your payroll provider or a tax professional.

Maryland County Piggyback Income Tax — The Hidden Paycheck Deduction

Maryland is one of the few states that levies a county-level "piggyback" income tax on top of the state rate — and it is the #1 reason a Maryland paycheck calculator estimate often comes in lower than expected. Per the Maryland Comptroller's official county tax rate table, every county sets its own income tax between 2.25% and 3.30% for 2026 (the maximum rose from 3.20% to 3.30%). Highest: Dorchester and Kent at 3.30%; Baltimore City, Baltimore County, Howard, Montgomery and Prince George's are at 3.20%. Lowest: Worcester County at 2.25%. The county rate is applied to the same Maryland taxable income as the state tax, so a Montgomery County resident in the 4.75% bracket faces a combined marginal rate of 7.95%. This calculator includes the county tax as its own line (default 3.20%) — set the County Income Tax Rate field to your county. Anne Arundel and Frederick use graduated local rates, so enter the rate that applies to your income. Updated 2026-10-06.