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    Maryland guide

    What to do when someone dies in Maryland

    Maryland is one of the few states with both an estate tax and an inheritance tax. The estate tax applies to estates over $5 million. The inheritance tax (10%) applies to heirs such as nieces, nephews, and friends. Probate runs through the Register of Wills in each county.

    Content updated: October 2026

    What's unique in Maryland

    State-specific rules that affect how an estate is handled here.

    Both estate tax and inheritance tax

    Maryland is one of only a few states with both taxes. The estate tax applies to estates over $5 million. The 10% inheritance tax applies to non-lineal heirs — not spouses, children, grandchildren, parents, or siblings. These are separate obligations that may both apply.

    Register of Wills probate

    Maryland probate is handled by the Register of Wills in each county and in Baltimore City. The office handles filing, creditor notices, and estate closing procedures.

    Spousal protections and allowances

    The surviving spouse has a statutory share right and various allowances under Maryland law, including a family allowance and the right to the family home during probate.

    State income tax and SRPS/TRS

    Maryland has its own income tax. A final state return must be filed. If the deceased was a state employee (SRPS) or teacher (TRS), survivor benefits need to be claimed separately.

    Recomposition is a legal disposition option

    Maryland law allows natural organic reduction (recomposition), which converts remains into nutrient-rich soil over several weeks. Families can choose it as an alternative to burial or cremation. Contact a licensed provider to learn about the process, costs, and logistics.

    A glimpse at what Order covers in Maryland

    These are just a few of the Maryland-specific tasks Order surfaces automatically when you select your state.

    File for Maryland probate in Register of WillsLegal & Estate

    Maryland probate runs through the Register of Wills — a separate elected office in each county and in Baltimore City. File where the deceased lived. Simplified small estate process available for qualifying estates.

    File Maryland inheritance tax returnFinancial Affairs

    Maryland is one of only a few states with both an estate tax and an inheritance tax. The 10% inheritance tax applies to heirs outside the close family (for example nieces, nephews, and friends). Spouses, children, grandchildren, parents, and siblings are exempt. File within nine months of death.

    Review Maryland estate tax obligationsFinancial Affairs

    MD estate tax applies to estates over $5 million — separate from the inheritance tax and from the federal return. File with the Comptroller of Maryland.

    Plus dozens more tasks across all 8 categories: funeral arrangements, digital accounts, dependents, and more.

    Official resources for Maryland

    Maryland Register of Wills (by county)File the estate and pay inheritance tax at the county Register of WillsMaryland Comptroller (estate tax)File the state estate tax return and final state income tax returnMaryland MVATransfer vehicle titles to heirs through the Motor Vehicle AdministrationMaryland State Retirement Agency (SRA)Notify the pension and apply for any survivor benefit for state employeesMaryland Dept. of Veterans AffairsApply for the surviving spouse property tax exemption and burial eligibility at Cheltenham Veterans Cemetery (Prince George's County) or Crownsville Veterans Cemetery (Anne Arundel County)

    What families commonly miss in Maryland

    • Maryland families often don't realize they may face two separate state tax obligations — an estate tax and an inheritance tax — and that the 10% inheritance tax can apply to nieces, nephews, and friends even when the estate seems simple.
    • Many Maryland families don't realize that the same office — the county Register of Wills — handles both estate administration and inheritance tax collection, and the estate must be filed in the county where the deceased lived at death, not where family members live now.
    • Many Maryland families assume a modest estate qualifies for the simplified process — but any real property above a low threshold triggers full administration, regardless of how small the overall estate is.

    Deeper reading

    Probate: what families need to know

    Probate rules vary significantly by state. Our full guide explains the process, timelines, and how to avoid common delays in Maryland.

    Military families in Maryland

    Maryland has additional veteran & survivor benefits

    • Apply for Maryland property tax exemption (surviving spouse of disabled veteran)
    • Contact Cheltenham Veterans Cemetery or Crownsville Veterans Cemetery

    Maryland-specific

    Start these Maryland-specific tasks in Order

    These tasks appear automatically in your checklist when you select Maryland as your state.

    File for Maryland probate in Register of WillsLegal & Estate

    File with the Register of Wills.

    Review Maryland elective share rightsLegal & Estate

    Surviving spouse entitled to one-third if children, one-half if no children

    Transfer vehicle at Maryland MVALegal & Estate

    Submit title transfer to Motor Vehicle Administration

    Plus dozens more tasks added automatically for Maryland families.

    Order walks your family through every step, for Maryland and beyond.

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    Covers all 50 states + DC · Jurisdiction-specific tasks added automatically

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