Official websites use .maryland.gov

A .maryland.gov website belongs to an official government organization in Maryland.

Secure websites use HTTPS certificate

A lock icon () or https:// means you’ve safely connected to the official website. Share sensitive information only on official, secure websites.

en English
Search
Close this search box.

I own a liquor store and in addition to sales of alcoholic beverages and other merchandise I rent beer kegs and taps. I charge an amount for the beer contained in the keg and then I charge a deposit to ensure that the equipment is returned. When the equipment is returned, the deposit is refunded in full to the customer. However, sometimes the customer does not return the equipment and I retain the deposit as compensation. How will the 9% tax on the sale of alcoholic beverages apply to my situation?

Only the charge for the beer is subject to the 9% rate. Separately stated charges for rental of equipment are taxed at the 6% rate. If the equipment is not returned and you retain the deposit as payment for the equipment, the deposit will be considered to be the charge for the equipment and will be subject to tax at the 6% rate.

Loading…