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Simplify Maryland’s sales tax process with our easy-to-use sales tax calculator. While Maryland has a flat state tax rate, understanding which items are taxable and exempt can still be tricky. Our calculator takes the hassle out of the process—just enter the purchase total, and we’ll calculate the exact sales tax owed.
Maryland applies a flat state sales tax rate of 6%1 on most sales of goods and services. Unlike many other states, Maryland does not allow cities or counties to impose additional local sales taxes, so the rate is consistent statewide.
However, some categories of goods are taxed at a higher rate2. For example:
To calculate Maryland sales tax, all you need is the purchase amount. Since the sales tax rate is uniform across the state, simply multiply the purchase total by 6%.
Save time by using our easy-to-use calculator, or crunch the numbers yourself with this formula:
Multiply the Purchase Amount by the applicable Sales Tax Rate to get the Sales Tax amount
Add the Sales Tax to the original Purchase Amount to find the Total Cost
You can use these formulas or use our calculator for a faster answer.
Sales Tax = Purchase Amount × 0.06
Total Cost = Purchase Amount + Sales Tax
Maryland exempts several categories of goods and services3 from its 6% sales tax. Key exemptions include:
Maryland offers several exemptions to its 6% sales tax, helping to keep certain everyday essentials more affordable. Here’s a quick look at what’s tax-free:
Most unprepared grocery items are exempt, but alcoholic beverages, soft drinks, and prepared foods are still taxable.
Prescription drugs and certain medical devices, like prosthetics, eyeglasses, and hearing aids, are tax-free.
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While clothing is usually taxed, Maryland’s annual "Shop Maryland Tax-Free Week" each August exempts eligible clothing and footwear under $100.
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Residential electricity, gas, and heating fuel are exempt from sales tax.
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Items like feed, fertilizer, and seeds used in agriculture are tax-exempt.
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Certain purchases made by qualifying non-profits may also be exempt.
1Comptroller of Maryland: Sales and Use Tax
2Maryland State General Assembly: Article - Tax - General
3Comptroller of Maryland: Tax Exemptions
Since Maryland uses a uniform 6% tax rate across the state, sales tax rates do not vary by city or county as they do in other states.
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1 Comptroller of Maryland: Sales and Use Tax
2 Maryland State General Assembly: Article - Tax - General
3 Comptroller of Maryland: Tax Exemptions
