Maryland: Sales Tax Handbook
Maryland Sales Tax Rate
| State Sales Tax | Local Sales Tax Range | Average Local Tax | Average Combined Tax | Max Combined Tax |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 6% | N/A | N/A | 6% | 6% |
2024 Maryland Sales Tax Handbook
Maryland Table of Contents
- List of Local Sales Tax Rates
- Sales Tax Calculator
- Sales Tax Exemption Certificates
- Sales Tax Info For Businessowners
- Taxable vs. Non-Taxable Purchases
- Sales Tax on Cars & Vehicles
- More Information
Maryland's Sales Tax By The Numbers:
Maryland has a higher-than-average state sales tax rate, but the actual sales tax rates in most Maryland cities are lower than average when local sales taxes from Maryland's 44 local tax jurisdictions are taken into account.
Rankings by Average State + Local Sales Tax:
Ranked 37th highest by combined state + local sales tax
Ranked 42nd highest by per capita revenue from state + local sales taxes ($695 per capita)
Rankings by State Sales Tax Only:
Ranked 8th highest by state sales tax rate
Ranked 30th highest by per capita revenue from the statewide sales tax ($697 per capita)
Printable PDF Maryland Sales Tax Datasheet
Maryland has a statewide sales tax rate of 6%, which has been in place since 1947.
Municipal governments in Maryland are also allowed to collect a local-option sales tax that ranges from 0% to 0% across the state, with an average local tax of N/A (for a total of 6% when combined with the state sales tax). The maximum local tax rate allowed by Maryland law is <span class='text-muted'>N/A</span>. You can lookup Maryland city and county sales tax rates here.
This page provides an overview of the sales tax rates and laws in Maryland. If you are a business owner and need to learn more about things like getting a sales tax permit, filing a sales tax return, or making tax-exempt purchases for resale see the Maryland Sales Tax Handbook's Table of Contents above.
What is exempt from sales taxes in Maryland?
Many states have special sales tax rates that apply to the purchase of certain types of goods, or fully exempt them from the sales tax altogether. Here's how Maryland taxes five types of commonly-exempted goods:
Clothing
6%
Groceries
EXEMPT
Prepared Food
6%
Prescription Drugs
EXEMPT
OTC Drugs
6%
For more details on what types of goods are specifically exempt from the Maryland sales tax see Maryland sales tax exemptions. To learn more about what types of transactions are subject to the sales tax to begin with, see what purchases are taxable in Maryland? Taxation of vehicle purchases in particular are discussed in the page about Maryland's sales tax on cars.
Are services subject to sales tax in Maryland?
"Goods" refers to the sale of tangible personal property, which are generally taxable. "Services" refers to the sale of labor or a non-tangible benefit. In Maryland, specified services are taxable.
About the Maryland Sales Tax
The state of Maryland has relatively simple sales tax rate, and utilizes a flat state tax rate with no local option sales taxes permitted. The sales tax extends to include internet purchases and other mail-ordered items.
It is worth noting that Maryland has an annual "back-to-school" tax holiday, which applies to certain items. In addition, Montgomery County levies a 5 cent tax for each plastic bag provided by a retailer in the process of a sale, pickup, or delivery. Of this tax, 4 cents is given to the Montgomery County water quality fund.
Is the Maryland Sales Tax Destination-Based or Origin-Based?
Maryland is a destination-based sales tax state, which means that sales tax rates are determined by the location of the buyer when the transaction is completed. This means that, for orders placed via the internet/mail by a customer within Maryland from a Maryland vendor, the vendor must collect a sales tax rate applicable at the buyer's address (including any applicable local sales taxes). This can significantly increase the complication of filing your sales tax return, because different sales tax rates must be charged to different buyers based on their location.
Is Maryland a Streamlined Sales Tax State?
Maryland is not a member of the Streamlined Sales and Use Tax Agreement. The SSUTA is an agreement adopted by about half of states that ensures that their sales tax laws are simplified to lower the costs associated with compliance.
Contact the Maryland Comptroller
The Maryland Sales Tax is administered by the Maryland Comptroller. You can learn more by visiting the sales tax information website at taxes.marylandtaxes.com.
Phone numbers for the Sales Tax division of the Comptroller are as follows:
- Local Phone: (410) 260-7980
- Toll-Free Phone: (800) 638-2937
Learn More: Our Book Recommendations
If you would like to learn more about how to manage your Maryland sales taxes, we recommend the following books:
Small Business Taxes For Dummies
This introductury book assists both current and aspiring small business owners with important tax planning issues, and covers a wide variety of small business tax topics.
Buy on Amazon
A Guide to Sales and Use Tax
This book provides information and insights on how to comply with a multitude of sales and use tax laws and regulations. This is our recommendation if you need an in-depth look into sales taxes.
Buy on AmazonSimplify Maryland sales tax compliance! We provide sales tax rate databases for businesses who manage their own sales taxes, and can also connect you with firms that can completely automate the sales tax calculation and filing process. Click here to get more information.
Maryland Sales Tax Rates by Zip Code:
Need an updated list of Maryland sales tax rates for your business? Download our Maryland sales tax database!