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TT-47 – OTP tax structure and guidance

Tax Creation and Core Rules |

What businesses must know about ongoing OTP tax obligations and filing requirements

Maryland reissued guidance on the OTP tax to clarify how the tax is administered and reported, and this page explains the tax structure, filing requirements, and ongoing compliance responsibilities.

What you need to know

  • OTP tax remains 15% of wholesale cost
  • Wholesalers are primarily responsible for tax payment
  • Retailers and consumers must file if tax is unpaid
  • Registration is required before selling OTP

Who This Applies To

This guidance applies to:

  • OTP wholesalers
  • OTP retailers
  • Consumers possessing untaxed OTP

OTP Tax Structure

Maryland’s OTP tax:

  • Is set at 15% of wholesale cost

Wholesale cost:

  • Excludes discounts, rebates, or allowances

Who Pays the Tax

Primary responsibility:

  • Wholesalers must remit the tax

If tax is not paid:

  • Retailers and consumers must file and pay

Reporting Requirements

Wholesalers must:

  • File monthly tax returns

Retailers and consumers must:

  • File quarterly returns when required

Registration Requirement

Businesses must:

  • Register before selling OTP

This applies to:

  • Wholesalers
  • Retailers

There is:

  • No registration fee

Filing Deadlines

  • Monthly returns are due the 21st of the following month
  • Quarterly returns are due after each quarter

Enforcement and Penalties

Failure to comply may result in:

  • Interest on unpaid tax
  • Penalties up to 25%
  • Confiscation of untaxed products

What This Means for Businesses

Businesses should:

  • Ensure tax is paid at the correct rate
  • File all required returns on time
  • Maintain documentation of tax payments
  • Register before engaging in OTP sales

Important Notes

  • This guidance reinforces existing tax requirements
  • Reporting obligations remain unchanged
  • Compliance depends on accurate documentation

Need Help?

For questions about OTP tax, contact the Maryland Comptroller’s Office: 410-260-7980

Related files

TT-47 – OTP tax structure and guidance