The Maryland Comptroller is reminding businesses that a new 3% sales and use tax on certain data and IT services went into effect on July 1, 2025. The tax was included in budget legislation passed during the most recent legislative session.
The tax was included in budget legislation passed during the most recent legislative session. The agency has provided comprehensive guidance on its website to help businesses understand the nuances of the new sales and use tax changes.
The agency has published two technical bulletins that are available online: a revised Technical Bulletin 56, which contains questions and answers on the application of sales and use tax to data or information technology services and system software or application software publishing services; and Technical Bulletin 54, which provides additional clarity on multiple points of use certificates.
Additionally, the Office of the Comptroller has engaged in extensive outreach by hosting several webinars, creating a dedicated webpage, delivering flyers across the state, and launching a paid social media campaign to encourage potentially impacted businesses to take steps to prepare for tax changes taking effect today.
In May, 2025, the agency submitted emergency regulations to comply with the July 1 effective date. The Comptroller’s Office intends to promulgate final regulations in November 2025, which will include an opportunity for businesses to provide feedback during the formal 30-day notice and comment period.
Businesses collecting the new IT and data sales and use tax will be able to file utilizing the agency’s Maryland Tax Connect platform. Emergency regulations stay in effect for a maximum of 180 days.
During this period, the Office of the Comptroller will submit final regulations through the standard process, which includes submitting the final regulations to the Joint Committee on Administrative, Executive and Legislative Review, publication in the Maryland Register, and a public notice and comment period. Any business with questions or comments about emergency regulations can email CompMDLegal@marylandtaxes.gov.
Businesses with specific questions about their particular tax circumstances are encouraged to consult with a tax professional. Additionally, the 2025 budget legislation increased the sales and use tax for adult-use cannabis in Maryland from 9% to 12%, effective July 1, 2025. According to the legislation, the additional 3% in tax revenue will go to the general fund.
The latest cannabis sales and use tax revenue reports can be found at https://www.marylandcomptroller.gov/reports.html.
The Office of the Comptroller encourages businesses to review the agency’s library of resources as they navigate the new sales and use and other tax changes. Those resources can be found at https://www.marylandcomptroller.gov/2025TaxUpdates.html.
See the original notification from the Comptroller of Maryland’s Office here.
About Talbot County Department of Economic Development and Tourism
The Talbot County Department of Economic Development and Tourism’s mission is to enhance and promote a business-friendly environment for current and prospective enterprises and to advocate for policies that support and strengthen the economic vitality of Talbot County. The department’s vision for Talbot County is built on the principles of strong communities, empowered businesses, and innovative solutions.
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