1. What is the Maryland Paycheck Calculator?

This calculator helps Maryland residents estimate their net pay after accounting for federal tax, Maryland state tax, FICA (Social Security and Medicare), and other deductions from their gross pay.

2. How Does the Calculator Work?

The calculator uses the following formula:

Where:

• Gross Pay — Total earnings before any deductions
• Federal Tax — Withheld federal income tax
• MD State Tax — Maryland state income tax
• FICA — Social Security (6.2%) and Medicare (1.45%) taxes
• Other Deductions — Optional deductions like retirement contributions, health insurance, etc.

3. Understanding Paycheck Deductions

Details: Maryland has a progressive state income tax ranging from 2% to 5.75%. Federal tax depends on your W-4 allowances and tax bracket. FICA is typically 7.65% of gross pay (6.2% for Social Security up to the wage base and 1.45% for Medicare).

4. Using the Calculator

Tips: Enter all dollar amounts as positive numbers. For accurate results, use amounts from your pay stub or tax documents. Other deductions are optional but can include 401(k), health insurance, etc.

5. Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Q1: How accurate is this calculator?
A: It provides estimates based on your inputs. For exact figures, consult your pay stub or tax professional.

Q2: What's the difference between gross and net pay?
A: Gross pay is earnings before deductions, while net pay is your actual take-home amount after all deductions.

Q3: Are Maryland taxes higher than other states?
A: Maryland has moderately high state taxes compared to national averages, with both state and local income taxes.

Q4: What if I have pre-tax deductions?
A: For pre-tax deductions like 401(k), subtract them from gross pay before calculating taxes (except FICA).

Q5: How often should I check my paycheck?
A: Review each pay period, especially after tax law changes or when updating W-4 forms.