Maryland Sales Tax Calculator 2026 — 6% Rate
Calculate Maryland sales tax on any purchase instantly. The state sales tax rate is 6%, and the average combined rate (state + local) is 6%. Enter your purchase amount to see state tax, local tax, and the total amount due — all calculated privately in your browser.
Maryland Sales Tax Rate: State vs Combined
The Maryland state sales tax rate is 6%, and that is the whole story for a general purchase. Maryland has no county or city sales tax — the rate is identical in Baltimore, Frederick and Rockville and everywhere else in the state. This is why the published "average combined" rate for Maryland is also 6%: the local component is zero, not a rounding artefact. A $100 general purchase costs $106.00 anywhere in Maryland, so there is no rate to look up by ZIP code.
What Is and Isn't Taxed in Maryland
Maryland exempts most unprepared grocery items from state sales tax, which helps reduce the cost of essential food purchases. Maryland exempts most clothing items from state sales tax, making it a tax-friendly state for apparel purchases. Prescription drugs are also exempt from sales tax in Maryland.
How to Calculate Maryland Sales Tax
To calculate Maryland sales tax: multiply the purchase price by the applicable rate. For the state rate only: price × 6% = tax. For the combined rate: use 6% for an average estimate, or enter the exact local rate from your receipt or the Maryland Department of Revenue website. Example: a $200 purchase at the 6% combined rate = $12.00 in tax = $212.00 total.
Tips for Accurate Sales Tax Calculations
There is no local rate to confirm in Maryland — 6% applies statewide, so the checkout rate should match this calculator exactly. If a receipt shows more, the extra is a separate excise or category rate, not a local sales tax. Large purchases like vehicles, appliances, or electronics are where the difference between state-only and combined rates matters most. Keep receipts that show the tax rate used; this helps verify correct tax was charged and supports any refund claims for exempt purchases. If you are making a business purchase, check whether your state offers a sales tax exemption certificate to avoid paying tax on resale items.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the sales tax rate in Maryland?
The Maryland state sales tax rate is 6%, and Maryland has no county or city sales tax, so 6% applies statewide. The published average combined rate is therefore also 6% (Tax Foundation 2026).
Does Maryland tax groceries?
Maryland exempts most unprepared grocery items from state sales tax, which helps reduce the cost of essential food purchases.
Is clothing taxed in Maryland?
Maryland exempts most clothing items from state sales tax, making it a tax-friendly state for apparel purchases.
What is the combined sales tax rate in Maryland?
It is 6%, the same as the state rate, because Maryland grants counties and municipalities no authority to levy a local sales tax. The published combined average equals the state rate exactly since the local component is zero.
How do I calculate sales tax in Maryland?
Multiply the purchase price by the rate. For state tax only: price × 0.0600. For the average combined rate: price × 0.0600. Example: $50 × 0.0600 = $3.00 tax, total $53.00.