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Maryland transfer tax rules (2026)
County taxes are a big part of Maryland closing costs: county transfer taxes run from 0.5% to 1.5% (Baltimore City 1.5%), plus a county recordation tax. First-time Maryland buyers pay a reduced state rate, which the seller pays.
| Tax | Rate | Usually paid by |
|---|---|---|
| State transfer tax (0.5%; 0.25% for first-time Maryland buyers) | 0.5% | Contract / custom |
| County transfer taxCounty transfer tax (0.5%–1.5%) and county recordation tax — enter your county's combined rate | Varies — enter yours | Contract / custom |
Maryland transfer tax by home price
| Home price | Buyer | Seller | By contract | Total taxes |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| $200,000 | $0 | $0 | $1,000 | $1,000 (0.5%) |
| $225,000 | $0 | $0 | $1,125 | $1,125 (0.5%) |
| $425,000 | $0 | $0 | $2,125 | $2,125 (0.5%) |
| $650,000 | $0 | $0 | $3,250 | $3,250 (0.5%) |
| $875,000 | $0 | $0 | $4,375 | $4,375 (0.5%) |
| $1,000,000 | $0 | $0 | $5,000 | $5,000 (0.5%) |
| $1,500,000 | $0 | $0 | $7,500 | $7,500 (0.5%) |
10% down, principal residence. Taxes split by law are shown half to each side. Exemptions (first-time buyer, senior, affordable housing) aren't applied.
Maryland vs other states
On a $400,000 home Maryland's taxes are $2,000 (0.5%), the 13th highest of 51. States nearby in the ranking:
- Rhode Island$3,000
- Nevada$2,040
- Tennessee$1,892
- Massachusetts$1,824
All states: real estate transfer tax by state. Monthly payment: Maryland mortgage calculator · how much house you can afford in Maryland.
Sources
Checked 2026-10-23. Rates change — we re-check every state on a schedule. Confirm with your title company or closing attorney.
Closing cost calculators for other states
- Alabama
- Alaska
- Arizona
- Arkansas
- California
- Colorado
- Connecticut
- Delaware
- District of Columbia
- Florida
- Georgia
- Hawaii
- Idaho
- Illinois
- Indiana
- Iowa
- Kansas
- Kentucky
- Louisiana
- Maine
- Maryland
- Massachusetts
- Michigan
- Minnesota
- Mississippi
- Missouri
- Montana
- Nebraska
- Nevada
- New Hampshire
- New Jersey
- New Mexico
- New York
- North Carolina
- North Dakota
- Ohio
- Oklahoma
- Oregon
- Pennsylvania
- Rhode Island
- South Carolina
- South Dakota
- Tennessee
- Texas
- Utah
- Vermont
- Virginia
- Washington
- West Virginia
- Wisconsin
- Wyoming
Assumptions
- Transfer and recording taxes use each state's published rates; exemptions (first-time buyer, senior, affordable housing) aren't applied unless noted.
- Who pays a tax can be changed by the purchase contract; "either" means local custom or the contract decides.
- Other closing costs (lender, title, appraisal, prepaid items) vary widely — use your Loan Estimate for real numbers.
- Maryland rules checked 2026-10-23: Maryland DLS fiscal note HB 790 (2026).
Frequently asked questions
How much is the transfer tax in Maryland?+
On a $435,000 home (about the Maryland median) the taxes come to $2,175, or 0.5% of the price: State transfer tax (0.5%; 0.25% for first-time Maryland buyers) $2,175 (contract / custom). That doesn't include the county transfer tax, which varies by location.
Who pays the transfer tax in Maryland, the buyer or the seller?+
State transfer tax (0.5%; 0.25% for first-time Maryland buyers): contract / custom; County transfer tax: set by contract or local custom. Who pays can be negotiated in the purchase contract.
What are closing costs in Maryland?+
Expect transfer and recording taxes ($2,175 on a $435,000 home) plus lender, title, appraisal and prepaid costs, which typically add about 2%–5% of the price nationally. Your lender's Loan Estimate shows the real numbers.
How does Maryland compare with other states?+
On a $400,000 home, Maryland's $2,000 in taxes ranks 13th highest of 50 states and DC. Delaware is highest at $16,000; 15 states charge no state transfer tax at all.
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Uses 2026 rules and limits. Last reviewed October 23, 2026. Calculator version 1.0.0. Sources: Freddie Mac (via industry summaries) — closing costs typically 2%–5% of the purchase price. Results are estimates for educational purposes, not financial, tax or lending advice. How we check our numbers. Embed this calculator on your site for free.