Maryland Sales Tax: Rates, Rules, and How to Calculate It (2026)
Maryland has a flat 6% sales tax statewide, so you'll pay the same rate whether you're shopping in Baltimore or Bethesda. Groceries and clothing are both taxable, and digital services like SaaS are taxed as well.
| Statewide base rate | 6% |
|---|---|
| Typical combined rate | 6%–6% |
| Are groceries taxed? | Taxable |
| Economic nexus threshold | ≈$100,000/yr (verify) |
| Taxing jurisdictions tracked | 620 |
| Get the exact rate | Look up any Maryland ZIP or address instantly |
How much is sales tax in Maryland?
The entire state charges 6% across all 620 jurisdictions, with no local add-ons. Maryland's flat rate makes it straightforward compared to states with complex local tax stacking.
Even though the rate is consistent statewide, you still need to verify the exact address because certain items and categories get different treatment, and the application of sales tax can vary by merchant classification. Using an address lookup ensures accuracy.
What's taxed and what's exempt in Maryland
Groceries are taxable in Maryland, unlike most states that exempt food. Clothing items are also subject to the 6% sales tax, so a new outfit gets the full treatment.
SaaS and digital software are taxable in Maryland. Restaurant food and prepared meals follow the same 6% rate as other taxable goods. Always verify specific product categories, as definitions matter.
Do you have to collect Maryland sales tax? (Economic nexus)
Like most states after the 2018 Wayfair decision, Maryland requires out-of-state sellers to register and collect once their sales into the state cross an economic-nexus threshold. That line is commonly around $100,000 of sales into Maryland per year, and some states also count a number of separate transactions — but the exact figure, and whether the transaction count still applies, change from time to time. Confirm Maryland's current threshold before you rely on it.
If you sell into Maryland from out of state, the practical question is whether you've crossed that line. Watching your sales into each state is how you know when you're on the hook — and it's the kind of thing that's easy to miss until a notice shows up.
Nexus rules change often and vary by state (reviewed 2026-01-01). This is general information, not tax advice — confirm your obligations with the Maryland Department of Revenue or a tax professional.
How to calculate Maryland sales tax
The math itself is simple: multiply the taxable price by the combined rate for the buyer's location. A $100 order at 6% means about $6.00 in tax. The hard part is getting the right rate for every address, keeping it current as rates change, and doing it fast enough to run inside a checkout.
That's what Sefro does. One API call returns the combined state, county, city, and special-district rate for any US address, sourced from state Departments of Revenue and refreshed weekly. You can also calculate the full tax on an order, validate addresses, and pull return-ready reports. See how the data is sourced or pricing to start.
Look up the Maryland sales tax rate for any ZIP
Enter a Maryland ZIP code to see the live combined rate from the Sefro API.
Frequently asked questions
What is the sales tax rate in Maryland?
Maryland's statewide sales tax is 6%. This flat rate applies uniformly across the entire state with no local variations, so every purchase at the register carries the same tax regardless of location.
Are groceries taxed in Maryland?
Yes, groceries are fully taxable in Maryland at the 6% rate. This sets Maryland apart from many states that exempt food purchases, so your grocery bill includes sales tax.
Do I have to collect Maryland sales tax if I sell online?
Once your sales into Maryland cross its economic-nexus threshold — commonly around $100,000 a year, sometimes with a transaction count — you generally must register and collect. Because states adjust these rules, check Maryland's current figure before relying on it.
How do I find the exact rate for a Maryland address?
Enter a street address or ZIP code into a tax lookup tool. Sefro's API returns the combined rate for any US address in seconds, eliminating guesswork about which rate applies to your location.
Is SaaS or digital software taxable in Maryland?
Yes, SaaS and digital services are taxable in Maryland. Cloud software subscriptions and digital downloads fall under Maryland's 6% sales tax.
Does Maryland have local sales taxes on top of the state rate?
No, Maryland has no local sales taxes. The 6% state rate is all you pay anywhere in the state.
Handle Maryland sales tax with one API call
Skip the rate tables and district lookups. Sefro returns the exact combined rate for any Maryland address in one request — start with a free trial.
Rates and rules on this page are provided for general information only and are not tax or legal advice. Rates change; confirm the current rate and your filing obligations with the Maryland Department of Revenue or a qualified professional. See our Terms.