2025 Maryland Tax Benefits and Credits for Immigrants Explained

Key Takeaways

• Maryland EITC remains 50% of federal EITC with updated 2024 income limits for 2025 filing.
• Student Loan Debt Relief Tax Credit applications accepted July 1–September 15, 2025.
• Senate Bill 155 restricts Long-Term Care Premiums Credit to taxpayers 85+ with income limits.

Maryland has made important updates to its tax benefits and credits for immigrants in 2025. These changes affect who can claim The Maryland Earned Income Tax Credit (EITC), child tax credits, and other state-level programs. This update explains what has changed, who is affected, when the changes take effect, what actions are required, and what these updates mean for immigrants living and working in Maryland.

Summary of What Changed

As of July 10, 2025, Maryland continues to offer several tax benefits to immigrants, including the Maryland Earned Income Tax Credit, child-related tax credits, and other state-specific programs. The main updates for 2025 include:

• The Maryland EITC remains at 50% of the federal EITC amount.
• Income limits and credit amounts have been updated for the 2024 tax year (filed in 2025).
• The Student Loan Debt Relief Tax Credit application window is set for July 1 to September 15, 2025.
• Senate Bill 155 changes eligibility for the Long-Term Care Premiums Credit, now limited to taxpayers age 85 and older with specific income limits.
• Free tax preparation and assistance programs are still available and actively promoted for immigrants.

These updates are important for immigrants who want to make sure they get all the tax benefits they qualify for in Maryland.

Who Is Affected by These Changes

The updates mainly affect:

• Immigrants with lawful status and valid Social Security Numbers (SSNs) who live and work in Maryland.
• Immigrant families with children who may qualify for the federal Child Tax Credit.
• Immigrants with student loan debt who are Maryland residents.
• Elderly immigrants who may qualify for the Long-Term Care Premiums Credit.
• Undocumented immigrants without SSNs, who remain ineligible for most state and federal tax credits.

Effective Dates

• The Maryland EITC and updated income limits apply to tax year 2024, which is filed in 2025.
• The Student Loan Debt Relief Tax Credit application period is from July 1 to September 15, 2025.
• Senate Bill 155, which changes the Long-Term Care Premiums Credit, takes effect July 1, 2025.

Required Actions for Immigrants

To claim these tax benefits, immigrants in Maryland should:

• Make sure they have a valid SSN for themselves, their spouse (if filing jointly), and any qualifying children.
• File both federal and Maryland state tax returns for the 2024 tax year.
• Use free tax preparation services if they need help, especially if they have limited English skills.
• Apply for the Student Loan Debt Relief Tax Credit during the application window if they have student loan debt.
• Elderly immigrants should check if they qualify for the Long-Term Care Premiums Credit under the new rules.

Detailed Overview of Tax Benefits for Immigrants in Maryland

Maryland Earned Income Tax Credit (EITC) in 2025

The Maryland Earned Income Tax Credit is one of the most important tax benefits for working immigrants. It is designed to help low- and moderate-income workers by reducing the amount of state and local income tax they owe. If the credit is larger than the tax owed, the extra amount is refunded to the taxpayer.

Key Features of the Maryland EITC:

• Amount: The Maryland EITC is equal to 50% of the federal EITC claimed on your federal tax return.
• Refundable: If your credit is more than your tax bill, you get the extra money back as a refund.
• Eligibility: You must qualify for the federal EITC to claim the Maryland EITC. This means you need a valid SSN for yourself, your spouse (if filing jointly), and any qualifying children.
• Income Limits: The amount you can claim depends on your income, filing status, and number of qualifying children.

Income Limits and Credit Amounts for Tax Year 2024 (Filed in 2025):

• Married filing jointly with three or more qualifying children: income limit is $66,819.
• Maximum federal EITC amounts for 2025 (filed in 2026):
  • Up to $8,046 with three or more qualifying children
  • Up to $7,152 with two qualifying children
  • Up to $4,328 with one qualifying child
  • $649 with no qualifying children
• Maryland EITC is 50% of these amounts.

Example Table: Maryland EITC Income Limits and Maximum Credit

Other Important Points:

• Your investment income must not be more than $11,950 to qualify for the federal EITC in 2025.
• Some local areas in Maryland offer extra EITCs, so check with your local tax office.
• Free tax help is available through Volunteer Income Tax Assistance (VITA) sites, which are open to low-income and limited English speakers, including immigrants.

Who Can Claim the Maryland EITC?

• Immigrants with lawful presence and valid SSNs who meet the income and filing rules can claim both the federal and Maryland EITC.
• Undocumented immigrants without SSNs are not eligible for the federal or Maryland EITC.

How to Claim the Maryland EITC:

• File your federal tax return and claim the federal EITC if you qualify.
• File your Maryland state tax return and claim the Maryland EITC. The Maryland Comptroller’s website provides detailed instructions and forms. You can find more information and official forms at the Comptroller of Maryland’s website.

Child Tax Credit (CTC) and Immigrant Eligibility

The Child Tax Credit is another important tax benefit for families with children. While Maryland does not have its own state child tax credit, the federal Child Tax Credit can help reduce your Maryland state tax bill.

Federal Child Tax Credit:

• To claim the federal CTC, your child must have a valid SSN.
• Immigrant parents with lawful status and SSNs for their children can claim the federal CTC.
• The federal CTC can reduce the amount of tax you owe and may provide a refund if the credit is larger than your tax bill.

Maryland and the Child Tax Credit:

• Maryland does not offer a separate state child tax credit.
• However, if you claim the federal CTC, it can help lower your Maryland state tax bill.
• Undocumented immigrants or those without SSNs for their children cannot claim the federal or Maryland child tax credits.

Recent Policy Updates:

• There have been no changes to the SSN requirement for the federal CTC in 2025.
• Maryland continues to follow federal rules for the CTC.

Other Maryland State Tax Credits for Immigrants

Maryland offers a few other tax credits that may be important for immigrants, especially those with student loan debt or elderly immigrants.

Student Loan Debt Relief Tax Credit (2025):

• This credit is for Maryland residents who have student loan debt.
• Both full-year and part-year residents can apply.
• The application window for the 2025 tax year is July 1 to September 15, 2025.
• Immigrants who meet the residency and filing rules can apply for this credit.

Long-Term Care Premiums Credit (2025):

• Senate Bill 155, effective July 1, 2025, changes who can claim this credit.
• Now, only taxpayers age 85 or older with income below $100,000 (single) or $200,000 (joint) can claim this credit.
• This credit is less common for working-age immigrants but may help elderly immigrant residents.

Practical Implications for Immigrants in Maryland

These tax benefits can make a big difference for immigrants living in Maryland. Here’s what you need to know:

• If you have lawful status and valid SSNs, you should file your Maryland tax return to claim the EITC and other credits.
• If you have low or moderate income and qualifying children, you could get a large refund through the Maryland EITC.
• Free tax help is available through VITA sites and other community organizations. These services are especially helpful for immigrants who are not confident in English or who are new to the U.S. tax system.
• If you are undocumented and do not have an SSN, you cannot claim these credits. However, you may be able to get help from community organizations for other types of support.

Recent Policy Developments and Official Guidance (2024-2025)

• There have been no major changes to the Maryland EITC or child tax credit eligibility rules for immigrants in 2025.
• Senate Bill 155 changes the Long-Term Care Premiums Credit starting in the 2025 tax year.
• The Maryland Comptroller and Department of Human Services are working to make sure all eligible taxpayers, including immigrants, know about the EITC and free tax help.
• The Maryland United Way Helpline (dial 211) and the CASH Campaign of Maryland offer support in many languages and can help you find free tax preparation services.

Key Contacts and Resources

If you need help or more information about these tax benefits, here are some important contacts:

• Comptroller of Maryland: 1-800-MD-TAXES (1-800-638-2937) or marylandtaxes.gov
• Maryland Department of Human Services: 211 or 1-800-492-0618 (TTY 410-685-2159) or dhs.maryland.gov
• CASH Campaign of Maryland: 410-234-8008 – provides free tax preparation and information
• IRS EITC Assistant: Online tool available in English and Spanish to check if you qualify for the EITC
• Volunteer Income Tax Assistance (VITA): Call 410-685-0525 or 1-800-492-0618 for free tax help for low-income taxpayers

Implications for Pending Applications

If you are an immigrant who has already filed your 2024 tax return or are planning to file soon, here’s what you should do:

• Double-check that you have included all qualifying children and used the correct SSNs.
• Make sure you have claimed the Maryland EITC if you qualify.
• If you have student loan debt, remember to apply for the Student Loan Debt Relief Tax Credit between July 1 and September 15, 2025.
• If you are age 85 or older and meet the income limits, check if you qualify for the Long-Term Care Premiums Credit under the new rules.
• If you need help, reach out to one of the free tax assistance programs listed above.

Actionable Takeaways for Immigrants

• File your taxes: Even if you don’t owe any tax, you may get a refund through the Maryland EITC or federal credits.
• Check your eligibility: Use the IRS EITC Assistant or ask for help at a VITA site to see if you qualify for the EITC or other credits.
• Apply for student loan relief: If you have student loans, don’t miss the application window for the Student Loan Debt Relief Tax Credit.
• Get free help: Take advantage of free tax preparation services, especially if you are new to the U.S. tax system or have limited English skills.
• Stay informed: Policy changes can happen, so check with the Maryland Comptroller’s office or trusted organizations for the latest updates.

Additional Resources

For more information on the Maryland Earned Income Tax Credit and other tax benefits for immigrants, visit the Comptroller of Maryland’s official EITC page. This site provides up-to-date information, forms, and instructions in multiple languages.

As reported by VisaVerge.com, Maryland’s commitment to supporting immigrants through tax benefits like the Maryland Earned Income Tax Credit and free tax preparation services helps many working families keep more of their hard-earned money. These programs are especially important for immigrants who may face extra challenges in understanding and filing taxes in a new country.

In summary: Maryland immigrants with lawful status and valid SSNs can claim the Maryland EITC, which is 50% of the federal EITC, and benefit from other credits like the Student Loan Debt Relief Tax Credit. Free tax help is widely available, and recent policy updates have not changed the main eligibility rules for these credits in 2025. If you are an immigrant in Maryland, take the time to check your eligibility, file your taxes, and use the resources available to you. This will help you get the tax benefits you deserve and support your family’s financial well-being.

Learn Today

Maryland Earned Income Tax Credit (EITC) → A state tax credit for low to moderate-income workers equal to 50% of the federal EITC.
Social Security Number (SSN) → A unique identifier required for tax filings and eligibility for most tax credits.
Child Tax Credit (CTC) → A federal tax credit to reduce tax owed for families with qualifying children who have SSNs.
Student Loan Debt Relief Tax Credit → A Maryland credit available to residents with student loans, applied for July 1 to September 15, 2025.
Long-Term Care Premiums Credit → A tax credit for taxpayers age 85+ with income limits, changed by Senate Bill 155 for 2025.

This Article in a Nutshell

Maryland’s 2025 tax updates maintain key immigrant benefits like the Maryland EITC and introduce changes to credits for student loans and elder care. Immigrants with lawful status and SSNs should file returns carefully to claim credits and access free tax help available statewide.
— By VisaVerge.com