Poll Finds Most Maryland Voters Say Taxes Too High

A UMBC survey of 710 voters found majorities see state and federal taxes as excessive while trusting local government more than other levels.

Updated on Nov. 12, 2026 in City Hall

Bold flat-color economist-style editorial illustration: a three-tier stack of cream coins against a deep navy field, with one muted gold accent, evoking layered public tax burden. — A University of Maryland, Baltimore County poll of 710 voters found about 61% say they pay too much in state taxes, while 57% trust local government most. AI Illustration. Upload story photo >

Live Poll

Do you trust your local government to spend your tax dollars wisely?

A University of Maryland, Baltimore County poll of 710 voters, conducted November 5 to 9, 2026, found about 61% say they pay too much in state taxes. The survey, conducted in partnership with the Maryland Municipal League, also found about 57% trust local government to make tax spending decisions.

Why it matters

The results show Maryland voters distinguish between levels of government, expressing far more trust in local officials than in state or federal ones on how tax dollars are spent. For Maryland lawmakers, the findings signal a gap between perceived tax burden and public confidence in state spending decisions.

The UMBC survey found 57% of voters say local taxes are too high, and 77% rate their community as excellent or good. The extraction does not indicate how these responses vary by region, income or party affiliation.

The players

University of Maryland, Baltimore County (UMBC)

A public research university in Baltimore County, Maryland, which conducted the voter survey reported in this poll.

Maryland Municipal League

An association representing municipal governments across Maryland that partnered with UMBC on the tax survey.

The details

Voters were asked to consider the programs and services they receive when rating their tax burden. The poll was conducted in partnership with the Maryland Municipal League and found 86% of voters consider trash, police and water services very important, while 72% said they get government news from social media.

November 5 to November 9, 2026: UMBC conducts its survey of 710 voters.
November 12, 2026: CBS News Baltimore publishes the poll results.

Political Context

Opposition to tax levels here is framed by voters' comparatively higher trust in local government than in state or federal bodies, a pattern the extraction does not show extending across prior surveys. Counter-arguments from state officials or advocacy groups are not included in the source extraction.

Maryland taxpayers who feel their tax burden is too high can weigh the poll's finding that local government earns more trust for tax decisions than state or federal bodies. Residents interested in how their local budgets are set can attend public hearings in their municipality or county.

The takeaway

Maryland voters appear to separate their frustration with overall tax levels from their assessment of the local governments delivering services. Engaging directly with local budget processes may be the most direct way for residents to influence how their tax dollars are spent.