Social Security
SS exempt from state tax
Federal rules still apply
SS exempt from state tax · retirement income taxed · property 0.92% · sales 6%. Plan RMDs, Roth conversions, and estate tax before retiring in Maryland.
By Sammy S. · Founder · AuthorUpdated for 2026
Exempts Social Security but taxes other retirement income; has both estate and inheritance taxes. Rank #44 on this site's retiree-friendliness score (#1 is most favorable).
Social Security
SS exempt from state tax
Federal rules still apply
Retirement income
Retirement income taxed
Pensions / IRA / 401(k)
Estate / inheritance
Estate + inheritance tax
Exempt ~$5M
Retiree rank
#44
Lower score = more friendly
Compare any two states
Social Security, pensions/IRA, estate taxes, and supporting property/sales rates.
SS exempt from state tax
Maryland does not tax Social Security benefits at the state level. Federal tax rules still apply.
Federally, up to 85% of Social Security can be taxable based on combined income. State treatment is a separate layer on top of IRS rules.
Retirement income taxed
Social Security exempt. Other retirement income generally taxed.
Federal income tax on Social Security and retirement distributions can apply regardless of state rules.
Estate + inheritance tax
Maryland also imposes an inheritance tax on certain non-exempt heirs.
Federal estate tax may still apply above about $15M for 2026, regardless of state rules.
Income-tax savings can be offset by higher housing or consumption taxes. These are statewide benchmarks—not the exact levy on a specific home or shopping basket.
0.92%
Owner-occupied housing benchmark
Maryland property tax profile →6%
State + average local combined rate
Maryland sales tax profile →Living in Maryland does not remove federal tax on taxable Social Security, traditional IRA/401(k) withdrawals, capital gains, or a taxable estate above the federal exemption. Maryland rules sit on top of IRS rules.
Up to 85% of benefits may be taxable based on combined income—same framework in every state.
SS exempt from state tax
Retirement income taxed
Estate + inheritance tax
Maryland does not tax Social Security benefits at the state level. Federal tax rules still apply.
Social Security exempt. Other retirement income generally taxed.
Statewide effective property tax is about 0.92%. Check local homestead or senior relief.
Combined average sales tax is about 6%. Necessities may be taxed differently.
Estate + inheritance tax
Conversions can raise Maryland taxable income and, where relevant, Social Security state-tax thresholds.
#44 on this site’s Social Security, retirement-income, and estate/inheritance score (#1 is most favorable).
A planning label—not a guarantee for every AGI level or filing status.
Statewide benchmarks for cash-flow planning; your locality may differ.
Every local income tax, circuit breaker, homestead credit, or private pension nuance.
Rank #45 · SS partially taxed · Retirement income taxed
Compare Maryland vs Montana →Rank #45 · SS partially taxed · Retirement income taxed
Compare Maryland vs New Mexico →Rank #45 · SS partially taxed · Retirement income taxed
Compare Maryland vs Utah →Rank #40 · SS exempt from state tax · Retirement income taxed
Compare Maryland vs District of Columbia →Confirm current Maryland return instructions and local rules. Rankings are educational planning aids.