Maryland 2026 Tax Changes — What the One Big Beautiful Bill Act (OBBBA ) Means for Residents
On January 1, 2026, the federal tax landscape underwent a historic and positive transformation. The One Big Beautiful Bill Act (OBBBA), signed into law on July 4, 2025, made permanent many of the major tax cuts from the 2017 Tax Cuts and Jobs Act (TCJA) and introduced new, powerful benefits for taxpayers. The long-feared 2026 “tax cliff” has been avoided.
For Marylanders, this is exceptionally good news. In a state with high incomes, high property values, and both state and county-level income taxes, these permanent federal tax cuts provide crucial relief. This guide provides a clear, localized breakdown of how the permanent tax laws under OBBBA will impact your income, business, and financial strategy in 2026 and beyond.
Federal Changes Bring Relief to Maryland Taxpayers
While Maryland has its own complex tax system, your federal tax bill is a major part of your overall financial picture. OBBBA has made that picture much brighter.
Lower Federal Tax Brackets are PERMANENT
Maryland Impact
This is a crucial win for Maryland’s high-earning professional households. For the many federal employees, government contractors, and healthcare and tech professionals in the Baltimore-DC corridor, having lower, predictable federal tax rates provides significant and welcome financial breathing room.
The Federal Standard Deduction is PERMANENT
The higher federal standard deduction, which simplifies tax filing for millions, is also here to stay.
Maryland Impact:
A permanent, higher federal standard deduction is a direct benefit for the majority of Marylanders, especially in high-cost-of-living areas like Montgomery and Howard counties. It provides a substantial, straightforward deduction on your federal return, lowering your taxable income without the need for complex itemization.
The QBI Deduction is PERMANENT and ENHANCED (Federal Level)
This is a critical update for Maryland’s many small businesses, consultants, and independent contractors. The 20% Qualified Business Income (QBI) Deduction is not expiring. OBBBA has made it a permanent part of the federal tax code and even improved it.
Important Note for Maryland:
- Federal taxMaryland is a non-conforming state, meaning it does not offer a state-level QBI deduction. However, this powerful 20% deduction remains fully available on your federal tax return.able income may decrease
This is a major federal benefit for Maryland’s:
- Government contractors and consultants
- LLCs, S-Corps, and Sole Proprietors
- Real estate investors and landlords
- Independent contractors and skilled trades
Key OBBBA Enhancements to QBI:
- Permanence: The 20% federal deduction is locked in for 2026 and
- Minimum Deduction: A new $400 minimum federal deduction is available for any business with at least $1,000 of qualified
Maryland Impact:
For the thousands of small businesses that drive Maryland’s economy, the permanent federal QBI deduction provides certainty and significant federal tax savings.
New Federal Tax Breaks for Maryland Residents
OBBBA also introduced several new federal deductions that will directly benefit many in Maryland:
- Senior Deduction: An additional $6,000 deduction for individuals 65 and older, providing federal tax relief for Maryland’s retirees (subject to phase-out).
- Overtime Deduction: Deduct up to $12,500 ($25,000 for joint filers) of qualified overtime
- Auto Loan Interest Deduction: Deduct up to $10,000 in interest on new personal vehicle loans from 2025-2028.
Maryland-Specific Tax Considerations for 2026
The Triple-Tax Impact: Federal, State, and County
Maryland is one of the few states with both a state income tax and county-level income taxes. Critically, both of these tax calculations start with your federal Adjusted Gross Income (AGI). The permanent federal deductions under OBBBA help keep your AGI lower, which in turn reduces your taxable income for both your Maryland state and county tax returns. This creates a beneficial ripple effect across your entire tax bill.
Real Estate in a High-Value Market
For property owners in competitive markets like Bethesda, Chevy Chase, and the DC suburbs, OBBBA brings welcome news. The 100% bonus depreciation for qualified property
is now permanent. This allows real estate investors to immediately write off the cost of
certain assets on their federal return, making strategies like cost segregation incredibly powerful for both commercial and residential rental properties.
Retirement Income in Maryland
Maryland offers some exemptions for retirement income, but many forms of it are still
taxable at the state and county level. The good news is that the permanent lower
federal tax rates under OBBBA reduce the overall tax burden on withdrawals from IRAs and 401(k)s, leaving more money in your pocket during your retirement years.
What Maryland Taxpayers Should Do Now
- UpdateYour Tax Plan:Your old strategy, based on the fear of expiring tax cuts, is It’s time to build a new plan based on permanence and new federal opportunities.
- Integrate Federal, State, and County Planning: Work with a professional who understands how to maximize permanent federal benefits while navigating Maryland’s complex three-tiered tax system.
- Maximize the Federal QBI Deduction: If you own a business or are a contractor, ensure your structure and bookkeeping are optimized to claim the full 20% federal QBI deduction.
- LeverageReal Estae Benefits: Plan your real estate investments to take full advantage of permanent 100% bonus depreciation on your federal return.
Maryland 2026 Tax FAQ
Does Maryland conform to QBI?
No — QBI is federal-only.
Will state taxes increase?
Maryland tax rates don’t change, but taxable income will rise due to federal changes.
Are families affected?
Yes — child credit reductions and bracket increases impact refunds.
Are STR owners impacted?
Yes — depreciation and participation rules tighten.
Are retirees affected?
Yes — depreciation and participation rul Yes — federal bracket increases affect taxable withdrawals.es tighten.
Get Your Personalized 2026 Maryland Tax Plan
The tax landscape has permanently shifted in your favor. Don’t operate on outdated assumptions. A personalized strategy session will ensure you are structured to maximize every new and permanent benefit under OBBBA, fully integrated with Maryland’s unique three-level tax system.
Because tax situations vary by individual and business, many Maryland residents choose to work with a qualified tax professional. You can explore available Maryland tax services here: