This page explains how to fill out a Maryland quitclaim deed in plain English.
A Maryland quitclaim deed is used to transfer whatever ownership interest the grantor has in Maryland real estate to another person or grantee.
Maryland deed recording can feel more complicated than expected because the deed may need an intake sheet, tax review, recordation tax, transfer tax, county processing, and sometimes nonresident seller withholding forms.
Important Maryland Recording Note:
Maryland quitclaim deeds are recorded in the Land Records for the county where the property is located. Baltimore City has its own recording procedures and forms.
Most Maryland deed recordings require a Land Instrument Intake Sheet. Baltimore City generally uses a separate intake sheet.
Maryland recordings may involve state transfer tax, county transfer tax, recordation tax, recording fees, and other local charges. The Maryland state transfer tax is commonly 0.5% of the consideration.
Example: if the transfer tax applies to a $100,000 taxable transfer, the Maryland state transfer tax alone would generally be about $500. County transfer taxes, recordation taxes, and recording fees may be additional.
The taxable amount is generally based on the consideration or value associated with the transfer. County finance offices and recording officials may review the transaction before recording.
Some transfers may qualify for exemptions or reduced taxes. Common examples can include certain spouse-to-spouse transfers, divorce-related transfers, family transfers, trust transfers, estate transfers, and corrective deeds.
Learn more about:
Maryland Transfer and Recordation Taxes
Maryland Quitclaim Deed Tax Exemptions
If a seller or transferor is not a Maryland resident, Maryland Nonresident Seller Withholding.Good News: No Homestead or Community Property Law
Maryland doesn't recognize homestead rights or community property. A married person who owns property individually can generally transfer it without the other spouse's signature or consent.
There's an important exception, though. When a married couple acquires property together, Maryland automatically creates a tenancy by the entirety, unless the deed says otherwise. Since both spouses are treated as owning the whole property as one legal unit, both generally need to sign to transfer it, even though this isn't a homestead or community property rule.
Maryland also doesn't require witnesses on a deed — just the grantor's signature acknowledged before a notary.
What You Need Before Filling Out the Deed
- Current deed or property record
- Grantor’s full legal name and mailing address
- Grantee’s full legal name and mailing address
- Legal description of the property
- Maryland county or Baltimore City recording location
- Consideration amount, transfer value, or exemption information
- Land Instrument Intake Sheet or Baltimore City intake sheet
- Transfer tax and recordation tax payment or exemption information
- Nonresident withholding information if the transferor is not a Maryland resident
- Return mailing address after recording
How to Fill Out a Maryland Quitclaim Deed
Step 1: Identify the Correct Recording Office
Start with the Maryland county where the property is located.
Maryland deeds are recorded in the Land Records for that county. If the property is in Baltimore City, follow Baltimore City’s recording process.
Step 2: Enter the Preparer and Return Information
Maryland deeds commonly include a certification or statement showing who prepared the deed.
Add the return mailing address where the recorded deed should be sent after recording.
Step 3: Enter the Grantor Information
The grantor is the current owner transferring their interest in the property.
Use the grantor’s full legal name and mailing address. The name should match the current deed or explain any name difference.
Step 4: Enter the Grantee Information
The grantee is the person receiving the property interest.
Enter the grantee’s full legal name and mailing address. Maryland intake and tax forms may also ask for grantee contact information.
Step 5: Add the Legal Description
Use the legal description from the current deed or official land records.
Do not rely only on the street address. The legal description is the formal property description used in Maryland Land Records.
Step 6: State the Consideration or Transfer Value
State the consideration, transfer value, or exemption information consistently on the deed and required intake or tax forms.
Maryland transfer and recordation taxes may depend on the consideration or value shown for the transaction.
Step 7: Complete the Intake Sheet
Maryland deed recordings generally need a Land Instrument Intake Sheet. Baltimore City uses its own intake sheet.
The intake sheet helps the recording office and tax office process the transfer, determine taxes, and update assessment records.
Step 8: Review Transfer Tax, Recordation Tax, and Withholding
Maryland may involve several separate cost items: state transfer tax, county transfer tax, recordation tax, recording fees, and nonresident seller withholding when applicable.
Don't assume that one tax payment covers everything. The county's tax collector must also certify that property taxes are current before the Land Records office will accept the deed — a required endorsement step, not just a formality.
Step 9: Sign and Acknowledge the Deed
The grantor signs the deed. Maryland deeds generally must be acknowledged before recording.
Make sure the notary acknowledgment is complete before submitting the deed package.
Step 10: Submit the Deed for Recording
Submit the signed deed, intake sheet, taxes, recording fees, and any required supporting documents to the appropriate Maryland recording office.
Some counties route the deed through a finance or tax office before final recording in Land Records.
Maryland Land Instrument Intake Sheet
The Land Instrument Intake Sheet is one of the most important extra documents for Maryland deed recording.
In plain English, it helps Maryland offices identify the property, parties, transfer type, tax handling, and assessment information.
Because ordinary visitors often wonder what this form is and where to get it, it deserves its own supplemental page.
Maryland Transfer, Recordation, and Withholding Issues
Maryland recording costs can be confusing because several different items may apply.
- State Transfer Tax may apply to deeds transferring real property.
- County Transfer Tax may apply depending on the county.
- Recordation Tax is connected with recording certain instruments in Land Records.
- Recording Fees are separate from taxes.
- Nonresident Seller Withholding may apply when the transferor is not a Maryland resident.
Maryland Signing and Recording Notes
- Maryland deeds are recorded in county Land Records or Baltimore City Land Records.
- The deed should be recorded where the property is located.
- The grantor signs the deed.
- The deed generally must be acknowledged before recording. Maryland doesn't require witnesses.
- Maryland has no homestead or community property law, but co-owned marital property is usually held as tenancy by the entirety, requiring both spouses' signatures.
- A Land Instrument Intake Sheet is generally required outside Baltimore City.
- Baltimore City uses its own intake sheet.
- State transfer tax, county transfer tax, and recordation tax may apply.
- County tax review procedures can vary.
- Nonresident seller withholding may apply to some transfers.
Common Maryland Quitclaim Deed Mistakes
- Forgetting the Land Instrument Intake Sheet
- Using the wrong intake sheet for Baltimore City
- Recording in the wrong county
- Using only a street address instead of the legal description
- Failing to prepare for state transfer tax, county transfer tax, and recordation tax
- Assuming a family transfer is automatically tax-free
- Forgetting nonresident seller withholding when the transferor is not a Maryland resident
- Submitting the deed before county finance or tax review is complete
- Leaving the notary acknowledgment incomplete
How This Fits Into the Maryland Quitclaim Deed Process
When preparing a Maryland quitclaim deed, think beyond the deed form itself.
The recording office may review the deed, legal description, acknowledgment, intake sheet, transfer taxes, recordation tax, county processing, nonresident withholding, and recording fees.
Completing those items before submitting the deed can help avoid delays.
Maryland Quitclaim Deed FAQ
Where do I record a Maryland quitclaim deed?
Record the deed in the Land Records for the Maryland county where the property is located. Baltimore City has its own Land Records process.
Does a Maryland quitclaim deed need to be notarized?
Yes. Maryland deeds generally must be acknowledged before recording. Maryland doesn't require witnesses.
Do I need my spouse's signature on the deed?
Maryland has no homestead or community property law, so individually-owned property generally doesn't need a spouse's signature. But if a married couple owns the property together, Maryland automatically creates a tenancy by the entirety, and both spouses generally need to sign to transfer it.
Does Maryland require a Land Instrument Intake Sheet?
Yes. Maryland deed recordings generally require a completed Land Instrument Intake Sheet, while Baltimore City uses its own intake sheet.
How much is Maryland transfer tax?
Maryland state transfer tax is commonly 0.5% of the consideration. County transfer tax, recordation tax, and recording fees may also apply.
Is this legal advice?
No. This page provides general educational information and is not legal advice.