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Clergy Housing Allowance Exclusion in Baltimore, MD 2026

Calculate your clergy housing allowance exclusion tax savings in Baltimore, Maryland. With Maryland's 5.75% state tax rate, your combined savings are higher.

Maryland Tax Context

State Income Tax
5.75%
Local Income Tax
3.2%
Property Tax Rate
1.04%
Tax Burden
Moderate

Baltimore City piggyback income tax rate of 3.2% (highest in MD); all MD counties levy piggyback tax

$1,548
Est. Total Savings
No Limit
Max Deduction
Above-the-Line
Deduction Type
30.9%
Combined Tax Rate

Clergy Housing Allowance Exclusion Savings Calculator for Baltimore

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Federal Savings

$1,100

22% bracket

Maryland State

$288

5.75% rate

Local Tax

$160

3.2% rate

Total Savings

$1,548

30.9% combined

At a 30.9% combined tax rate in Baltimore, every $1,000 in deductions saves you $310 in taxes.

Savings by Tax Bracket in Baltimore

10%
$948
12%
$1,048
22%
$1,548
24%
$1,648
32%
$2,048
35%
$2,198
37%
$2,298

Includes 5.75% Maryland state tax + 3.2% local tax on top of federal savings.

Eligibility Requirements

Ministers and clergy who receive a housing allowance as part of compensation

  • 1Must be ordained, licensed, or commissioned minister
  • 2Allowance must be designated by employer in advance
  • 3Limited to lesser of: actual expenses, FMV of home, or designated amount

Maryland residents should verify that this deduction is also recognized on their state tax return for additional savings of up to 5.75%.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

  • !Not having allowance designated before payment
  • !Exceeding the fair market value limitation
  • !Forgetting to include for self-employment tax purposes
  • !Forgetting to claim the deduction on your Maryland state return (missing 5.75% additional savings)
  • !Not checking if Baltimore's local income tax allows this deduction (3.2% potential additional savings)

Required Tax Forms

Form 1040Schedule SE

File these forms with your federal tax return to claim the clergy housing allowance exclusion. Maryland may require additional state-specific forms.

Other Tax Deductions in Baltimore, MD

Mortgage Interest Deduction

Housing

~$4,924
est. savings

Property Tax Deduction

Housing

~$3,095
est. savings

Home Office Deduction

Housing

~$1,688
est. savings

Home Energy Tax Credit

Housing

~$1,800
est. savings

Residential Solar Tax Credit

Housing

~$7,500
est. savings

Military Moving Expenses

Housing

~$5,627
est. savings

PMI Premium Deduction

Housing

~$1,548
est. savings

Mortgage Points Deduction

Housing

~$2,814
est. savings

Clergy Housing Allowance Exclusion in Other Maryland Cities

Columbia, MD

5.75% state + 3.2% local

~$16,882
+15,334 vs Baltimore

Germantown, MD

5.75% state + 3.2% local

~$16,882
+15,334 vs Baltimore

Silver Spring, MD

5.75% state + 3.2% local

~$16,882
+15,334 vs Baltimore

Frederick, MD

5.75% state + 2.96% local

~$16,751
+15,203 vs Baltimore

Waldorf, MD

5.75% state + 0.6% local

~$15,464
+13,916 vs Baltimore

Ellicott City, MD

5.75% state + 1.68% local

~$16,053
+14,505 vs Baltimore

Glen Burnie, MD

5.75% state + 2.76% local

~$16,642
+15,094 vs Baltimore

Rockville, MD

5.75% state + 3.2% local

~$16,882
+15,334 vs Baltimore

Calculate Your Full Tax Savings in Baltimore

Use our free tax calculators to optimize your entire tax return for Maryland.

Income Tax CalculatorTaxes in BaltimoreFull Clergy Housing Allowance Exclusion Guide

Frequently Asked Questions

How much can I save with the Clergy Housing Allowance Exclusion in Baltimore, MD?

In Baltimore, Maryland, the clergy housing allowance exclusion can save you an estimated $1,548 per year. This includes $1,100 in federal tax savings and $288 in Maryland state tax savings plus $160 in local tax savings. The national average savings is $12,000/year.

What is the Maryland state income tax rate for Baltimore residents?

Maryland has a 5.75% state income tax rate. Baltimore residents also pay a 3.2% local income tax, bringing the combined state/local rate to 8.9%. Baltimore City piggyback income tax rate of 3.2% (highest in MD); all MD counties levy piggyback tax

Who qualifies for the Clergy Housing Allowance Exclusion in Baltimore?

Ministers and clergy who receive a housing allowance as part of compensation. The eligibility requirements are the same whether you live in Baltimore or elsewhere in the U.S., as this is a federal tax deduction. However, your savings amount will vary based on Maryland's 5.75% state tax rate.

What tax forms do I need to claim the Clergy Housing Allowance Exclusion in Maryland?

To claim the clergy housing allowance exclusion, you need to file Form 1040 and Schedule SE with your federal return. Maryland residents should also check if the state allows this deduction on their state return, which could provide an additional 5.75% savings. Filing status affects your deduction limits and tax bracket.

Is the Clergy Housing Allowance Exclusion better in Baltimore than in states without income tax?

Yes, Baltimore residents benefit more because Maryland's 5.75% state income tax means the deduction reduces both your federal AND state tax liability. In states with no income tax (like Texas, Florida, or Nevada), this deduction only reduces federal taxes. Your combined rate of 30.9% means more savings per dollar deducted.

Related Calculators

Mortgage Interest Deduction in Baltimore

Avg savings: $3,500/year

Property Tax Deduction in Baltimore

Avg savings: $2,200/year

Home Office Deduction in Baltimore

Avg savings: $1,200/year

Home Energy Tax Credit in Baltimore

Avg savings: $1,800/year

Residential Solar Tax Credit in Baltimore

Avg savings: $7,500/year

Military Moving Expenses in Baltimore

Avg savings: $4,000/year