This is general information, not legal or tax advice. Permit and tax rules change, and your situation may differ. Always confirm current requirements with the official state agency linked in this guide, and consult a licensed attorney or tax professional for advice about your specific business.Last verified against official state sources: 2026-06-11
If you sell handmade goods at Maryland craft fairs you must collect the 6 percent sales tax and hold a license from the Comptroller. Vendors without a permanent license get a 30-day temporary license for each event, and the Comptroller says vendors doing three or more events a year should register for a permanent license through Maryland Tax Connect.
Permanent registration is online through Maryland Tax Connect; temporary licenses are issued by the Comptroller's office by email (Templicense@marylandtaxes.gov) or phone.
Maryland issues a temporary sales and use tax license valid 30 days for event vendors, requested by email or phone. The temporary return must be filed and tax paid within 30 days of the event; at three or more events a year, switch to a permanent license.
The casual and isolated sale exemption (Tax-General 11-209) requires a sale price under $1,000, a seller who does not regularly sell goods, and no dealer involvement. It covers selling your own used household goods, not property made for sale, so typical craft vendors do not qualify.
A single statewide rate of 6 percent on most goods with no local sales taxes (9 percent applies only to alcoholic beverages). Returns file through Maryland Tax Connect, and timely filers keep a small discount of the tax collected.
Maryland's trader's license (from the county Clerk of the Circuit Court, $15 to $800 by inventory) is required to sell goods unless you are a grower or manufacturer; crafters making their own goods generally fall under the manufacturer exception, while vendors reselling purchased goods need one. There is also a Trader's Show license and an Exhibitor's Affidavit option for low-volume show sellers; confirm your case with the State License Bureau (410-260-6240).
Doing business without the required sales and use tax license is a misdemeanor with a fine up to $100 (Tax-General 13-1016), and trader's license violations carry fines up to $100 or up to 30 days imprisonment.
Under Business Regulation 17-1804, exhibitors must conspicuously display a trader's license copy or Exhibitor's Affidavit during a show, and the promoter must forward all affidavits to the Comptroller's State License Bureau within seven days after the show; violations are misdemeanors.
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If you sell handmade goods at Maryland craft fairs you must collect the 6 percent sales tax and hold a license from the Comptroller. Vendors without a permanent license get a 30-day temporary license for each event, and the Comptroller says vendors doing three or more events a year should register for a permanent license through Maryland Tax Connect.
Sales and Use Tax License (permanent) or 30-Day Temporary License for event vendors, issued by the Comptroller of Maryland. Cost: Free (no fee listed for the sales tax license or temporary license). Permanent registration is online through Maryland Tax Connect; temporary licenses are issued by the Comptroller's office by email (Templicense@marylandtaxes.gov) or phone.
The casual and isolated sale exemption (Tax-General 11-209) requires a sale price under $1,000, a seller who does not regularly sell goods, and no dealer involvement. It covers selling your own used household goods, not property made for sale, so typical craft vendors do not qualify.
A single statewide rate of 6 percent on most goods with no local sales taxes (9 percent applies only to alcoholic beverages). Returns file through Maryland Tax Connect, and timely filers keep a small discount of the tax collected.
Maryland's trader's license (from the county Clerk of the Circuit Court, $15 to $800 by inventory) is required to sell goods unless you are a grower or manufacturer; crafters making their own goods generally fall under the manufacturer exception, while vendors reselling purchased goods need one. There is also a Trader's Show license and an Exhibitor's Affidavit option for low-volume show sellers; confirm your case with the State License Bureau (410-260-6240).
Browse upcoming craft fairs in Maryland with booth fees and application deadlines, read our picks for the best Maryland craft fairs, and use the booth ROI calculator to plan your season.
Last verified: 2026-06-11. Spotted something out of date? Let us know.