Eye on the Economy: A Look at Maryland and the Regional Economy in April 2026

• The most recent job report updates reveal that between March and April 2026, Maryland gained 2,800 Total Nonfarm jobs.
• The official unemployment rate for Maryland changed slightly to 4.4 percent.
• Previous reports showed that Maryland added 5,300 total nonfarm jobs between February and March 2026, while the state’s unemployment rate remained unchanged at 4.3 percent.

Maryland businesses grapple with 'surreal' economic conditions
Baltimore Business Journa, April 28, 2026

On April 23, RESI Chief Economist Daraius Irani was the keynote speaker at the Baltimore Business Journal’s Economic Outlook event. In his assessment of the economy, Dr. Irani noted that uncertainty is high, with rising prices, hiring freezes, office vacancies, and a labor market thrown into chaos by a federal immigration crackdown. Other speakers at the event criticized high state taxes but noted that an anticipated structural deficit means that lawmakers will soon be faced with either cutting spending or raising taxes, even if they managed to avoid raising taxes or fees in the most recent legislative session.

Maryland Comptroller’s Office warns of some tax processing delays
The Baltimore Sun, May 11, 2026

Taxpayers who filed with paper returns are being told by the Comptroller to expect delays in getting their tax refund, with the process taking up to 30 days due to budget and staffing issues. RESI Chief Economist Daraius Irani warned that some small businesses may be relying on their tax refund to cover upcoming bills, and may be significantly impacted by a delay. The comptroller’s office has stated that the delay will not impact the average taxpayer, with the vast majority of returns still being processed in two days or less.