Maryland sales tax applies to most purchases you make in the state. Whether you are buying electronics in Columbia or ordering shoes online from Rockville, that 6% charge shows up at checkout. Understanding how Maryland sales tax works can save you real money throughout the year. This guide covers current rates, exemptions, tax-free shopping events, and smart money-saving strategies for Maryland consumers in 2026.
Maryland Sales Tax Rate: The Basics
Maryland keeps things refreshingly simple for shoppers. The statewide sales tax rate is a flat 6%. Unlike most states, Maryland does not allow cities or counties to add local taxes on top. You pay the same 6% whether you shop in Baltimore, Bethesda, or Ocean City.
This uniformity makes the Maryland sales tax easy to calculate. For every $100 you spend on taxable goods, you owe exactly $6. However, the standard 6% rate does not cover everything. Alcoholic beverages carry a higher rate of 9%.
| Tax Component | Rate |
|---|---|
| State Sales Tax Rate | 6.00% |
| Maximum Local Rate | 0.00% |
| Combined Rate (Statewide) | 6.00% |
| National Average Combined Rate | 7.28% |
| Alcoholic Beverages | 9.00% |
As a result, Maryland’s combined 6% rate falls below the national average of about 7.28%. That is good news for local shoppers. For comparison, neighboring Virginia charges 5.3% to 7% depending on the region. Washington, D.C. charges 6% on most goods but 10% on restaurant meals. Delaware, just to the east, charges no sales tax at all. To find more ways to stretch your budget, explore our complete shopping guides.
What Maryland Does and Does Not Tax
The Maryland sales tax includes several generous exemptions that directly benefit everyday shoppers. Specifically, most grocery staples are completely tax-free. You will not pay tax on bread, milk, eggs, meat, fruits, or vegetables. However, candy and soft drinks are still taxable at the full 6%.
In addition, the Maryland sales tax does not apply to most medicines. This exemption covers both prescription drugs and over-the-counter medications. Everyday health essentials like toothbrushes, diapers, feminine hygiene products, and corrective eyeglasses are also tax-free. These exemptions can save Maryland families hundreds of dollars each year.
Clothing and footwear, however, are fully taxable at 6% year-round. This sets Maryland apart from nearby Pennsylvania, which exempts all clothing from sales tax. For example, a $75 pair of sneakers costs $79.50 at a Maryland register. The one exception is the annual back-to-school tax-free week, covered below.
| Item Category | Taxed? | Rate |
|---|---|---|
| General Merchandise | Yes | 6% |
| Groceries (Staple Foods) | No | Exempt |
| Candy and Soft Drinks | Yes | 6% |
| Clothing and Footwear | Yes | 6% |
| Prescription Medicine | No | Exempt |
| Over-the-Counter Medicine | No | Exempt |
| Diapers and Feminine Hygiene | No | Exempt |
| Corrective Eyeglasses | No | Exempt |
| Alcoholic Beverages | Yes | 9% |
Maryland Sales Tax by City and County
Here is a pleasant surprise for Maryland shoppers. There are no local sales taxes anywhere in the state. Every city, county, and municipality charges the same flat 6%. You will never encounter surprise surcharges based on your ZIP code. This statewide uniformity is rare among U.S. states.
This is a real advantage compared to states like Texas or Louisiana. In those states, local taxes can push combined rates above 9%. In Maryland, the rate you see quoted is always the final rate you pay. There are no hidden local additions at the city or county level. Specifically, you can shop anywhere in the state without worrying about rate differences.
| City / County | State Rate | Local Rate | Combined Rate |
|---|---|---|---|
| Baltimore City | 6.00% | 0.00% | 6.00% |
| Silver Spring (Montgomery Co.) | 6.00% | 0.00% | 6.00% |
| Columbia (Howard Co.) | 6.00% | 0.00% | 6.00% |
| Annapolis (Anne Arundel Co.) | 6.00% | 0.00% | 6.00% |
| Frederick | 6.00% | 0.00% | 6.00% |
| Rockville (Montgomery Co.) | 6.00% | 0.00% | 6.00% |
| Ocean City (Worcester Co.) | 6.00% | 0.00% | 6.00% |
| Hagerstown (Washington Co.) | 6.00% | 0.00% | 6.00% |
As a result, a $500 television carries the same $30 in Maryland sales tax whether you buy it in Annapolis or Hagerstown. This consistency makes budgeting for major purchases straightforward.
Maryland Sales Tax Holidays
Maryland runs two official tax-free shopping events each year. These holidays temporarily suspend the Maryland sales tax on qualifying items. Planning purchases around these dates leads to meaningful savings.
Shop Maryland Energy Weekend — February 14–16, 2026. During this three-day event, qualifying Energy Star products are exempt from the 6% sales tax. Eligible items include refrigerators, clothes washers and dryers, room air conditioners, furnaces, heat pumps, dehumidifiers, and programmable thermostats. There is no price cap on most qualifying appliances. On a $1,200 refrigerator, you save $72. This event applies to both in-store and online purchases from Maryland retailers.
Shop Maryland Tax-Free Week — August 9–15, 2026. This annual back-to-school event exempts clothing and footwear priced at $100 or less per item. In addition, the first $40 of any backpack or bookbag purchase is tax-free. A family buying $400 in qualifying school clothes saves $24. This event is open to everyone, not just students or parents. Check our best time to buy calendar to plan around these dates.
Online Shopping and Maryland Sales Tax
If you shop online, Maryland sales tax still applies to your purchases. Major retailers like Amazon, Walmart, and Target automatically collect the 6% tax on orders shipped to Maryland addresses. This happens under Maryland’s marketplace facilitator law. Online platforms must collect tax on behalf of their sellers.
Maryland uses destination-based sourcing for sales tax. This means the tax is based on where you receive the item. However, since the rate is a uniform 6% statewide, your specific delivery address does not change the amount. The Maryland sales tax is always 6% no matter where the seller ships from.
One useful detail involves shipping charges. Separately stated shipping costs are not subject to Maryland sales tax. However, if a retailer combines shipping and handling into one line item, the entire charge becomes taxable. Specifically, look for retailers that break out shipping separately on your receipt. For more online strategies, explore our guide on saving money when shopping online.
Smart Shopping Tips for Maryland
Knowing how the Maryland sales tax works gives you an edge at the register. Here are five actionable ways to reduce what you pay.
🔥 Get Free Deal Alerts
Free · No spam · Unsubscribe anytime
1. Stock up on clothing during Tax-Free Week. The August event is not just for students. Anyone can buy clothing and footwear under $100 per item without paying sales tax. Buy basics like socks, underwear, and work clothes during this window. A $500 clothing haul saves you $30.
2. Maximize the grocery exemption. Maryland’s tax-free grocery benefit is one of the most generous in the region. Plan meals around whole foods and staple ingredients to avoid the 6% tax entirely. However, remember that candy, soft drinks, and prepared hot foods are still taxable at the register.
3. Cross into Delaware for big purchases. Delaware has no sales tax at all. If you live in the eastern part of the state, a short drive across the border saves you 6% on expensive items. The savings on a $1,000 laptop or furniture set equals $60. Factor in gas costs to make sure the trip is worthwhile.
4. Time appliance purchases for February. Do not pay full price on a new washer or refrigerator. Wait for the Shop Maryland Energy Weekend to save the full 6% on qualifying Energy Star models. Pair the tax savings with a store sale for an even better deal.
5. Stack savings with cashback and coupons. Combine tax-free events with coupon stacking strategies and cashback apps for maximum impact. Using a 5% cashback card during Tax-Free Week means you effectively save 11% on qualifying clothing purchases.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the sales tax rate in Maryland?
The Maryland sales tax rate is 6% statewide. There are no additional local or county taxes. This flat rate applies in every city and county across the state. The only exception is alcoholic beverages, which are taxed at 9%.
Are groceries taxed in Maryland?
No. Most grocery staples are fully exempt from Maryland sales tax. This includes bread, milk, eggs, meat, produce, and other unprepared food items. However, candy, soft drinks, and alcoholic beverages remain taxable at 6% or 9%.
Does Maryland have a sales tax holiday?
Yes. Maryland holds two tax-free events each year. The Shop Maryland Energy Weekend in February covers qualifying Energy Star appliances. The Shop Maryland Tax-Free Week in August exempts clothing under $100 per item and the first $40 of backpacks. Both events waive the full 6% state tax on eligible items.
Does Maryland charge sales tax on online purchases?
Yes. Under Maryland’s marketplace facilitator law, online retailers must collect the 6% Maryland sales tax on all taxable goods shipped to Maryland addresses. This applies to Amazon, Walmart, eBay, and other major platforms. The same exemptions for groceries and medicine apply online as well.
Is shipping taxable in Maryland?
It depends on how the charge is listed. Separately stated shipping charges are not subject to sales tax. However, if shipping and handling are combined into a single charge, the full amount becomes taxable. Look for retailers that itemize shipping separately on your receipt.
Start Saving on Every Purchase
Now that you know your state’s sales tax rates, use that knowledge to time your purchases and stack savings. Combine tax-free shopping periods with cashback apps and coupon codes to keep more money in your pocket.
Official Sources
- Tax Foundation — state and local sales tax data
- IRS.gov — federal tax information
- FTC Consumer Information — shopping rights and protections
Rates current as of May 2026. Sales tax rates change periodically. Always verify current rates with your state’s revenue department.