How much should freelancers in Maryland set aside for taxes?

As an estimate, a self-employed person in Maryland with $50,000 of profit should set aside about 24% of that profit, rising to about 27% at $100,000. That covers federal income tax and self-employment tax, plus Maryland state income tax. Here's where the numbers come from.

Maryland's 2026 income tax at a glance

Maryland added 6.25% and 6.5% brackets for high earners, retroactive to 2025.

Rates and brackets are as of January 1, 2026, for single filers, from the Tax Foundation's annual state survey. Married couples filing jointly usually get wider brackets.

	Maryland
Structure	Graduated, 2% to 6.5% across 10 brackets
Top rate	6.5% on single-filer income over $1,000,000
Planning rate at $50,000 profit	4.6%
Planning rate at $100,000 profit	4.7%

Picking a planning rate for a graduated tax

Maryland taxes each slice of income at a higher rate as you earn more, so there isn't one number. Our calculator takes a single state rate, so use your planning rate: the average Maryland rate on your income, before state deductions and credits. Because it skips those, it leans slightly high, which is the safe direction for a set-aside.

At $50,000 of profit that's about 4.6%; at $100,000 it's about 4.7%. Don't use the top rate (6.5%) unless your income is above $1,000,000. It would make you over-save.

Single-filer taxable income over	Rate
$0	2%
$1,000	3%
$2,000	4%
$3,000	4.75%
$100,000	5%
$125,000	5.25%
$150,000	5.5%
$250,000	5.75%
$500,000	6.25%
$1,000,000	6.5%

How much to set aside in Maryland

Estimated total tax as a share of profit for a single filer with no other job: federal income tax, self-employment tax and Maryland income tax, using 2026 rules and the standard deduction. Save this share of each payment after business expenses.

Profit	Federal + SE tax	MD tax (est.)	Set aside
$30,000	$5,181	$1,272	22%
$50,000	$9,732	$2,155	24%
$75,000	$15,495	$3,258	25%
$100,000	$22,365	$4,362	27%
$150,000	$37,608	$6,704	30%

Local and business taxes to know about

Every Maryland county (and Baltimore City) adds a local income tax of roughly 2.25% to 3.3%, collected with your state return. Add it to the state figures below.

These aren't included in the figures above.

Maryland estimated tax payments

Maryland expects freelancers who will owe state tax to pay during the year too. Most states use the same four dates as the IRS, but a few don't, so confirm the dates and payment options with the Comptroller of Maryland.

An easy habit: when you make each federal quarterly payment, make the state one the same day.

Know your number for every payment.

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Frequently asked questions

Does Maryland have a state income tax?

Yes. For 2026 it's graduated, 2% to 6.5% across 10 brackets, according to the Tax Foundation's survey of rates as of January 1, 2026.

What percentage should I set aside for taxes in Maryland?

As an estimate, a single freelancer with no other job should save about 24% of profit at $50,000 and 27% at $100,000, covering federal income tax, self-employment tax and state income tax. A day job, a spouse's income, local taxes or big write-offs change the number, so use the calculator for yours.

What state rate should I enter in a tax calculator for Maryland?

Use your planning rate: about 4.6% at $50,000 of profit or 4.7% at $100,000. It's the average Maryland rate on that income before deductions and credits, so it leans slightly high.

Sources

Estimates and general information, not tax advice. Check with a tax professional for your situation.