Maryland Transfer Tax & REET Calculators

Select your specific county or municipality below to calculate accurate deed transfer taxes, state portions, and buyer/seller splits across Maryland.

Maryland Real Estate Transfer Tax and Recordation Tax

Maryland real estate transactions may involve several taxes when property changes ownership. These include the Maryland state transfer tax, local county transfer tax, and recordation tax. The total amount depends on the property's location, sale price, applicable tax rates, and whether the transaction qualifies for an exemption or reduction.

DeedCalculator provides Maryland transfer tax calculators for selected counties, including Montgomery, Prince George's, Anne Arundel, Baltimore, and Howard County. Choose a county calculator above to estimate property transfer taxes and recordation costs based on your transaction details.

Understanding Maryland Property Transfer Taxes

Maryland generally imposes a state transfer tax of 0.50% on the consideration paid for a real estate transfer. County transfer taxes are charged separately and vary by jurisdiction. Recordation tax is another separate charge that applies to documents recorded in connection with a property transfer or certain secured debts.

The standard county rates covered by our calculators are 1.00% in Montgomery County, 1.40% in Prince George's County, 1.00% in Anne Arundel County for transactions below $1 million, 1.50% in Anne Arundel County for transactions of $1 million or more, 1.50% in Baltimore County, and 1.25% in Howard County.

Recordation tax rates also differ across these counties. Prince George's County generally charges $2.75 for each $500 or fraction thereof, while Baltimore County and Howard County generally charge $2.50 for each $500 or fraction thereof. Anne Arundel County charges $7.00 per $1,000, rounded up to the nearest $500. Montgomery County uses progressive recordation tax brackets, with different rates applying to portions of the taxable consideration.

Recordation tax may also apply to a mortgage or deed of trust. Maryland law generally includes qualifying mortgage or deed-of-trust debt assumed by the buyer when determining taxable consideration. As a result, assumed debt may affect the estimated tax even when it is not part of the cash purchase price.

Because state and county taxes vary by jurisdiction, the same property sale price may result in different estimated closing costs depending on where the property is located. A Maryland real estate transfer tax calculator can help you understand these potential costs before closing.

County Transfer Tax and Recordation Tax Rates

The following standard rates apply to the counties currently covered by DeedCalculator's Maryland calculators. These rates do not include every possible exemption, reduction, or special transaction rule.

Montgomery County: 1.00% county transfer tax. Recordation tax is progressive, with rates increasing across consideration brackets. Eligible owner-occupied residential properties may qualify for a recordation tax exemption on the first $100,000 of consideration, subject to occupancy and other requirements.
Prince George's County: 1.40% county transfer tax and recordation tax of $2.75 for each $500 or fraction thereof.
Anne Arundel County: 1.00% county transfer tax for transactions below $1 million and 1.50% for transactions of $1 million or more. Recordation tax is $7.00 per $1,000, rounded up to the nearest $500.
Baltimore County: 1.50% county transfer tax and recordation tax of $2.50 for each $500 or fraction thereof.
Howard County: 1.25% county transfer tax and recordation tax of $2.50 for each $500 or fraction thereof.

These are standard rates. Certain counties provide specific reductions or exemptions for eligible buyers or particular property transfers. Baltimore County, Howard County, and Prince George's County, for example, have certain locally defined programs or reductions that may affect qualifying transactions.

First-Time Homebuyer Exemptions and Tax Considerations

Eligible first-time Maryland homebuyers purchasing an improved residential property that they intend to occupy as their principal residence may qualify for a reduced state transfer tax rate of 0.25%, instead of the standard 0.50%. The buyer must meet Maryland's statutory first-time homebuyer requirements, and the required certification must be provided.

For qualifying first-time homebuyer transactions, Maryland law generally requires the seller to pay the entire state transfer tax. The law also establishes special rules for the allocation of local transfer taxes and recordation tax, subject to applicable agreements and statutory requirements.

Other exemptions or reductions may apply depending on the county, property use, buyer eligibility, and type of transaction. For example, Montgomery County provides a recordation tax exemption on the first $100,000 of qualifying owner-occupied residential consideration, subject to its principal-residence and occupancy requirements.

Eligibility is subject to applicable state and county rules. Review the relevant requirements before relying on an exemption in a property transfer tax estimate.

Who Pays Maryland Transfer and Recordation Taxes?

Maryland law generally provides for state and local transfer taxes and recordation taxes to be shared equally by the grantor and grantee unless the parties agree otherwise or a specific law establishes a different allocation.

Special allocation rules apply to qualifying first-time Maryland homebuyer transactions. In those cases, the seller generally pays the full state transfer tax and may also be responsible for local transfer and recordation taxes, subject to the statutory rules and any permitted agreement between the parties.

Official Maryland Tax Information

For current information about Maryland transfer taxes, recordation taxes, filing requirements, and exemptions, consult the relevant state and county government resources. County-specific rules should be checked with the jurisdiction where the property is located.

Official state resources:

Official county resources:

About Our Maryland Transfer Tax Estimates

DeedCalculator provides preliminary estimates of Maryland real estate transfer taxes and recordation costs using published state statutes, county codes, and official government tax information. Calculations account for the standard rates and applicable rules represented in each county calculator.

Actual amounts may vary based on the property's jurisdiction, taxable consideration, assumed debt, transaction type, applicable exemptions, tax allocation agreements, and rates in effect on the recording date. These estimates are for informational purposes only and are not legal, tax, or financial advice. Confirm final amounts with the appropriate local authority, settlement professional, or qualified real estate professional.