Maryland isn't very tax-friendly for retirees, and many seniors are moving to more tax-friendly states as a result. But Maryland Gov. Larry Hogan wants to change that trend. He recently released a plan to lower income taxes by more than $1 billion for retirees in the state.
Currently, Maryland seniors can exclude up to $31,100 of federally-taxed income from a pension or 401(k) plan (but not from an IRA). There are also income tax exclusions available for the first $15,000 of military pensions and retirement income for certain first responders. However, when you add in local taxes, which can be as high at 3.2%, many Maryland retirees are taxed heavily on income that is not excluded from tax.
Under the governor's plan, there would be no Maryland tax on the first $50,000 of income for retirees with federal adjusted gross income under $100,000. The tax relief would be phased in over a five-year period. According to the governor, his plan would provide tax relief to 230,000 taxpayers and prevent thousands of Maryland retirees from fleeing the state for a more tax-friendly location.
From just $107.88 $24.99 for Kiplinger Personal Finance
Be a smarter, better informed investor.
Sign up for Kiplinger’s Free Newsletters
Profit and prosper with the best of expert advice on investing, taxes, retirement, personal finance and more - straight to your e-mail.
Profit and prosper with the best of expert advice - straight to your e-mail.
Gov. Hogan also wants to fully exempt all pension and retirement income paid to veterans and first responders.
It's uncertain if the Maryland General Assembly will embrace Gov. Hogan's plan. Maryland Democrats are pushing their own tax reform agenda that would raise up to $2 billion for education reforms. Reaching an agreement on both plans seems unlikely.
-
The power and flexibility of 529 savings plansSPONSORED Today’s 529 plans can be used in more ways—and at more types of schools—making them one of the smartest ways to save for education.
-
Stocks Grind Up to New All-Time Highs: Stock Market TodayUnitedHealth stock led the Dow Jones Industrial Average amid increasing signs the labor market has not been well for months.
-
New Bill Would End Taxes on Social Security Benefits in 2026: What Retirees Should KnowTax Law Congress could look to high earners to help offset lost revenue and possibly shore up the Social Security program.
-
New $6,000 'Senior Bonus' Deduction: What It Means for Taxpayers Age 65-PlusTax Changes If you’re an older adult, a new bonus tax deduction could provide a valuable tax benefit. Here's how it works.
-
Claiming the Standard Deduction? Here Are 10 Tax Breaks For Middle-Class Families in 2025Tax Breaks Working middle-income Americans won’t need to itemize to claim these tax deductions and credits — if you qualify.
-
Over Age 65? New $6,000 'Senior Bonus' Deduction Is Available Even If You ItemizeTax Changes If you’re an older adult, a new bonus tax deduction could provide a valuable tax benefit. Here's how it works.
-
New Trump Tax Bill: Five Changes Homeowners Need to Know NowTax Changes Trump’s new tax legislation is reshaping how tax breaks for homeowners work.
-
How the 2025 Child Tax Credit Rules Impact Single ParentsTax Credits New changes to family tax credits, like the Child Tax Credit, will impact the eligibility of some households.
-
How Your 2025 Wedding Could Save You Money on TaxesTax Breaks There are some wedding expenses that are tax-deductible, and you don’t want to miss out on savings.
-
Retirees Should Watch These Four Key Tax Changes in 2025Tax Changes This year brings key tax changes that could affect your retirement taxes and income.
