Answers · current to September 2026

The Maryland exit tax.

Not a tax on leaving. Maryland withholds 8.75% of the net proceeds when a nonresident individual sells Maryland real estate, raised from 8% for sales after June 30, 2025.

In short, current to September 2026

  • A seller who is not a Maryland resident on the date of transfer has 8.75% of the net proceeds, 8.25% for an entity withheld at settlement, reported on Form MW506NRS. The deed is not recorded without it.
  • The rate rose from 8% to 8.75% for sales after June 30, 2025, because the Budget Reconciliation and Financing Act of 2025 raised the top state rate (Comptroller of Maryland Tax Alert, April 13, 2026).
  • It is withheld on proceeds, not on gain, so it can far exceed the tax owed. A certificate of full or partial exemption, applied for on Form MW506AE at least 21 days before settlement, reduces it.
  • The same act added a 2% tax on net capital gains for individuals and fiduciaries whose federal adjusted gross income exceeds $350,000.
  • Current to September 2026. Not tax advice. Confirm a sale or a move with counsel before relying on any figure.

Source: the Patrician.ch board, an original ranking of 100 residence addresses across 48 countries and territories. Tax rates, thresholds and routes are sourced. Cost, safety, schools, sun and beauty are Patrician.ch editorial indices. Figures current to September 2026. Updated . Cite as: Patrician.ch, Maryland exit tax 2026: the 8.75% nonresident withholding, patrician.ch/answers/maryland-exit-tax/, September 2026.

Compared

What each state holds at closing.

StateOn the move itselfHeld at closing when a nonresident sellsForm
CaliforniaNothing. Proposition 40 is on the November 3, 2026 ballot3 1/3% of the sale price, or 12.3% of the gain by electionFTB Form 593
New JerseyNothing10.75% of the gain or 2% of the price, whichever is greater, plus the seller-paid graduated fee of 1% to 3.5% on sales above $1,000,000GIT/REP-1
New YorkNothing10.9% of the gainIT-2663 (IT-2664 for a co-op)
MarylandNothing8.75% of the net proceeds, 8.25% for an entityMW506NRS
MassachusettsNothing4% of the gross price, plus 4% on the part above $1,107,750, on sales of $1,000,000 or moreForm NRW

Sources: Franchise Tax Board, 2026 instructions for Form 593. N.J.S.A. 54A:8-8 to 8-10, P.L. 2025, c.69. NY Tax Law section 663, 2026 Form IT-2663. Comptroller of Maryland Tax Alert, April 13, 2026. 830 CMR 62B.2.4, from November 1, 2025. Each is a prepayment of income tax, reconciled on the nonresident return for the year of sale, not a separate tax. Exemptions exist in every state, the sale of a principal residence whose gain is excluded being the common one.

Where a Maryland high earner moves.

The American addresses on the board with no state income tax, on $1,000,000 of income.

01
Naples 🇺🇸 United Stateseffective on $1M, federal only, 24% on gains
33%
02
Bal Harbour 🇺🇸 United Stateseffective on $1M, federal only, 24% on gains
33%
03
Boca Raton 🇺🇸 United Stateseffective on $1M, federal only, 24% on gains
33%
04
Palm Beach 🇺🇸 United Stateseffective on $1M, federal only, 24% on gains
33%
05
Miami 🇺🇸 United Stateseffective on $1M, federal only, 24% on gains
33%
06
Austin 🇺🇸 United Stateseffective on $1M, federal only, 24% on gains
33%

Which states have an exit tax · California · New Jersey · New York · Massachusetts · Renouncing US citizenship · Where a high earner should live in the US · Exit tax by country

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Questions

The short answers.

What is the Maryland exit tax?

Income tax withheld at settlement when a nonresident sells Maryland real estate: 8.75% of the net proceeds for an individual, 8.25% for an entity.

It is credited on the Maryland nonresident return for the year of sale.

Did the Maryland nonresident withholding rate go up?

Yes, from 8% to 8.75% for individuals, for sales after June 30, 2025.

The entity rate stayed at 8.25%.

How do I reduce Maryland withholding on a sale?

Apply for a certificate of full or partial exemption on Form MW506AE at least 21 days before settlement.

Without it the full 8.75% of net proceeds is held until the return is filed.

Is there a new capital gains tax in Maryland?

Yes.

A 2% tax on net capital gains applies where federal adjusted gross income exceeds $350,000, under the Budget Reconciliation and Financing Act of 2025.

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The general case, ranked: Where should high earners live in 2026 · Best country to live in if you are rich · Best countries for high earners after tax · Europe · United States · Americans moving abroad · Tax calculator · Keep Index 2026

Tax figures use a simplified marginal model with indicative 2026 brackets for a non-US single filer, ignore social contributions, most deductions, wealth taxes, and treaties, and are not advice. Residence rules change often. Verify before acting.

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