Does the sales tax apply to sales of cars and boats?
No. The Maryland sales and use tax does not apply to the sales of cars or boats since those items are already subject to titling taxes. Sales of motor vehicles are subject to the Maryland motor vehicle titling tax which is administered by the Maryland Motor Vehicle Administration. Boat sales are subject to a boat titling tax which is administered by the Maryland Department of Natural Resources. On the other hand, the sales and use tax does apply to car and boat rentals, under different tax rates. An 11 percent tax is imposed on short-term passenger car and recreational vehicle rentals. Certain short-term truck rentals are subject to an 8 percent tax.
