Does Maryland tax Social Security?
Does not tax Social Security
No. Maryland exempts the Social Security that is taxed on your federal return.
What the Comptroller of Maryland says
We do not paraphrase the rule from memory. This is the state's own wording, copied from the page linked below it:
“No. Taxpayers affected by the federal tax on Social Security and/or Railroad Retirement benefits can continue to exempt those benefits from state tax.”
Federal tax is a separate question
Even though Maryland does not tax it, the IRS can still tax part of your Social Security on your federal return. Whether it does depends on your other income. Our taxable Social Security calculator follows the IRS worksheet line by line, and this guide explains the rule.
You can ask Social Security to withhold federal tax from each payment. Withholding for Maryland state tax, if you need it, is arranged with the state, not with Social Security. State rules change with new laws, so check with the Comptroller of Maryland before you file.
Other states where the answer is “does not tax Social Security”
Check our work
The answer above comes from this page. Follow the link and compare.
- Seniors and Retirees Frequently Asked QuestionsComptroller of Maryland. Read on November 12, 2026.