Bank Franchise Tax
Captive Insurance Premium Tax
Cigarette Tax and Tobacco Products Tax (including E-cigarettes)
Fuel Tax
Health Care Claims Tax
Insurance Premium Tax
Malt and Vinous Beverage Tax
Solar Energy Capacity Tax
Solid Waste Tax
Surplus Lines Insurance and Direct Insurance Placement Tax
Telephone Gross Receipts Tax and Telephone Personal Property Tax
Wind-Powered Electric Generating Facility Tax
BANK FRANCHISE TAX
The Bank Franchise Tax is paid by banks and other financial institutions with Vermont deposits. The tax is computed monthly on average monthly deposits for the previous 12 months. Beginning January 1, 2017, tax is paid monthly, with a return filed quarterly. This tax is in lieu of corporate income tax.
Effective January 1, 2017: Monthly Payments, Quarterly Returns
Bank Franchise Tax is estimated and paid monthly, with a payment due on the 25th day of the following month. For example, the first monthly payment is due by February 25th, unless the due date falls on Saturday or Sunday, the next business day becomes the due date. For the first two months of each quarter, make estimated payments using myVTax. Select MAKE A PAYMENT located under the I WANT TO section.
In order to avoid an underpayment of your estimated tax, which may result in penalty and interest charges, your estimated monthly payments for each of the first two months of any quarter must either be:
- equal to 100% of the tax due for the previous month’s tax, or
- 90% of the month’s actual tax liability as computed at the end of the quarter.
The Bank Franchise Tax Return is filed quarterly, due the 25th day of the month following the end of the quarter. Compute tax due for each of the months in the quarter. Reconcile the amount due with amounts paid as estimates for the first two months in the quarter, and pay the third monthly payment with the Return.
Due Date
Beginning January 1, 2017: Bank Franchise Tax is estimated and paid monthly, with a payment due on the 25th day of the following month.
Mandate for Electronic Filing of Returns
Filing the Bank Franchise Tax Return online through the Vermont Department of Taxes online system, myVTax, has been mandated by the Commissioner of Taxes. See myVTax resource center for information about our online filing system.
Register, file your return, and pay taxes due at myVTax. If you have any questions, contact us at (802) 828-2551 or tax.business@vermont.gov.
Affordable Housing Tax Credits or Downtown & Village Center Tax Credits
Every bank that has Affordable Housing Tax Credits or Downtown & Village Center Tax Credits
- carried forward from a previous period, or
- newly allocated to the bank during the period reported, or
- expired/disposed of during the period, or
- applied during the period reported,
must complete the Bank Franchise Affordable Housing Tax Credits and/or Downtown & Village Center Tax Credits Worksheets, as applicable, and attach the completed worksheets to the return together with supporting documentation. These worksheets provide detail required to review Bank Franchise Tax credits.
CAPTIVE INSURANCE PREMIUM TAX
The Captive Insurance Premium Tax is paid by captive insurance companies licensed by the Department of Financial Regulation. The tax is computed annually on premiums collected.
Due Date
Captive Insurance Premium Tax is filed and paid annually. The return and tax are due by March 15. There are no estimated payments due.
Mandate for Electronic Filing of Returns
Filing online through the Vermont Department of Taxes online system, myVTax, has been mandated by the Commissioner of Taxes. See the myVTax resource center for information about our online filing system.
Register, file your return, and pay taxes due at myVTax. If you have any questions, contact our Insurance Premium Tax and Captive Insurance Premium Tax examiner, (802)828-6838.
LAWS, REGULATIONS AND GUIDANCE
8 V.S.A. § 6014 Tax on premiums collected
CIGARETTE TAX AND TOBACCO PRODUCTS TAX (INCLUDING ELECTRONIC CIGARETTES)
Cigarette or Tobacco Tax is paid by licensed wholesale dealers on the sale of cigarettes or other tobacco products to retailers. If a retailer identifies cigarettes or other tobacco products inventory upon which tax has not been paid by the licensed wholesale dealer, then the retailer shall pay the tax.
Electronic Cigarettes (Effective July 1, 2019). The Tobacco Products Tax is paid by a licensed wholesale dealer on the sale of other tobacco products to a retailer. The definition of other tobacco products has been expanded to include tobacco substitutes (which includes e-cigarettes), liquids, whether nicotine based or not, and delivery devices when sold separately for use with a tobacco substitute. Only a licensed wholesale dealer may sell other tobacco products, including e-cigarettes, to retailers doing business in Vermont. Vermont prohibits online sales of other tobacco products, including e-cigarettes, to Vermont consumers. Read our frequently asked questions to learn more.
Please see our list of licensed cigarette and tobacco dealers who have consented to have their name and address posted on the website. Retailers may contact Miscellaneous Taxes to verify if a dealer who is not included on the list is currently licensed by the Department. Tax on cigarette and little cigar packs is paid by licensed wholesale dealers who purchase cigarette tax stamps directly from the Department.
Due Dates
Cigarette Tax and Tobacco Products Tax, including on e-cigarettes and accessories, are filed and paid monthly. The return and payment are due 15 days following the end of the month. A return must be filed each month by every licensed wholesale dealer, even when no tax is due.
Filing Returns
Form CTT-646, Wholesale Cigarette and Tobacco Dealer Report And Tax Return
Form CTT-645, Vermont Wholesale Dealers Claim for Cigarette Stamp Tax Refund
Register, file your return, and pay taxes due at myVTax. If you have any questions, contact us at (802) 828-2551 or tax.business@vermont.gov.
Other Required Reports
- Nonparticipating Tobacco Manufacturers (NPM) Monthly Reporting
- Prevent All Cigarette Trafficking (PACT) Act Registration and Monthly Reporting
Cigarette Stamp Order
Form CTT-642 Cigarette Tax Stamp Order
LAWS, REGULATIONS AND GUIDANCE
Cigarette, Tobacco Products, and E-cigarette Rates
Cigarette,Tobacco Products, and E-cigarettes Tax Rates Chart
Electronic Cigarettes | Frequently Asked Questions
32 V.S.A. Chapter 205 Cigarettes and Tobacco Products
FUEL TAX
The Fuel Tax is paid by retail sellers of the following:
- Heating oil, propane, kerosene, and other dyed diesel fuel delivered in Vermont
- Natural gas
- Electricity
- Coal
Certain sales are not subject to the Fuel Tax. Please see the instructions for more details.
The rate schedule is as follows:
| Fuel Type | Rate |
|---|---|
| Heating oil, propane, kerosene, and other dyed diesel fuel delivered in Vermont | $0.02/gallon |
| Natural gas and coal | 0.75% |
| Electricity | 0.5% |
For natural gas, coal, and electricity, the tax is computed on the retail sale price of the fuel.
The Fuel Tax is set to expire on June 30, 2024.
There is an additional petroleum distributor licensing fee for heating oil, kerosene, and other dyed fuel sold in the state. This licensing fee will terminate on April 1, 2031.
Due Date
The Fuel Tax and the petroleum distributor licensing fee are filed and paid monthly, with the return and tax due 25 days after the end of each calendar month. These can be filed in myVTax.
Filing Returns
Fuel Tax returns and payments may now be electronically filed and paid using myVTax. See the myVTax Resource Center for information about our online filing system.
Register, file your return, and pay taxes due at myVTax. Information regarding the retailer election can be found here.
The Fuel Tax may be itemized on a delivery ticket, invoice, or statement. If a fuel dealer chooses to itemize, the invoice must include a statement that says the tax is “for support of Vermont’s Low Income Home Weatherization Program.” 33 V.S.A. § 2503(b).
LAWS, REGULATIONS AND GUIDANCE
33 V.S.A. § 2503 Fuel Tax
Taxation of Fuel
HEALTH CARE CLAIMS TAX
The Health Care Claims Tax is paid by insurance companies offering health insurance, companies that self-insure employees’ health coverage, third-party administrators, and pharmacy benefit managers. The tax is computed on health insurance claims paid for the fiscal year beginning July 1 and ending June 30.
Due Date
Health Care Claims Tax is filed and paid annually. The return and tax are due January 1 following the end of the fiscal year.
Mandate for Electronic Filing of Returns
Filing online through the Vermont Department of Taxes online system, myVTax, has been mandated by the Commissioner of Taxes. See myVTax resource center for information about our online filing system.
Register, file your return, and pay taxes due at myVTax. If you have any questions, contact our Health Care Claims Tax examiner, (802) 828-6880.
LAWS, REGULATIONS AND GUIDANCE
32 V.S.A. Chapter 243 Health Care Claims Tax
INSURANCE PREMIUM TAX
The Insurance Premium Tax is paid by domestic and foreign insurance companies doing business in Vermont. The tax is computed annually on premiums written (or premiums collected for life insurance companies). Quarterly estimates must be paid based on business during the quarter or estimated based on the prior year’s income.
Due Date
Estimates for the Insurance Premium Tax are filed on the last day of May, August, and November. The final payment is due with the return. The return, with final reconciliation and payment of tax, is due on the last day of February.
Mandate for Electronic Filing of Returns
Filing the Vermont Insurance Premium Tax online through myVTax has been mandated by the Commissioner of Taxes. See myVTax resource center for information about our online filing system.
Register, file your return, and pay taxes due at myVTax. If you have any questions, contact our Insurance Premium Tax and Captive Insurance Premium Tax examiner, (802) 828-6838.
Estimated Payments
We strongly encourage you to use myVTax to make your estimated payments. You can make an estimated payment using ACH debit without logging into your account. Select MAKE A PAYMENT under Businesses at the bottom of the page. Select Insurance Premium as the account type and select Estimated Payment when you arrive at a screen asking you for the payment type. Be sure to enter the period date as December 31st. Insurance premium payments will always have the year end date, not the quarter end date, not the due date, not the payment date.
LAWS, REGULATIONS AND GUIDANCE
32 V.S.A. Chapter 211, Subchapter 7 Insurance Companies
MALT AND VINOUS BEVERAGE TAX
Malt and Vinous Beverage Taxes are paid by bottlers and wholesalers of malt and vinous beverages. The tax is computed on gallons sold by bottlers or wholesalers. Act 144 of 2016 updated the filing frequency for the Malt and Vinous Beverage Tax. Beginning July 1, 2016, the tax is paid monthly or quarterly, depending on the amount of tax due. If less than $2,000. was remitted for the previous year, you may file on a quarterly basis. Otherwise, returns must be filed monthly.
Due Date
The Malt and Vinous Beverage Tax is due on or before the 25th of the month following the reporting period end date. Every licensed bottler or wholesaler must file a return each month or quarter, even when no tax is due.
Your filing frequency is determined by the Department. If you are unsure if you should file quarterly or monthly, please contact us.
Filing Returns and Reporting Distributions
Effective November 2017 the preferred method for filing and paying Malt and Vinous Beverage Tax Return is through myVTax. When you file your return through myVTax you will also be prompted to report any distributions made during the reporting period.
Register, file your return, distributions, and pay taxes due at myVTax. If you have any questions, contact us at (802) 828-2551 or tax.business@vermont.gov.
Prior to reporting your distributions for the first time, you must download the new reporting template. Please see guides and distribution template below for more information about how to submit the monthly return and upload distribution report at myVTax.
Please note: If you use Malt and Vinous Beverage Tax Return, Form MVB-612, you must report your distributions separately on Schedule MVB-613, Malt and Vinous Beverage Distribution Report.
Optional Worksheets
The following worksheets are provided to assist you in calculating gallons to be reported on the Malt and Vinous Beverage Returns. These worksheets are for your convenience and for your internal use only. Do not submit worksheets with your return.
Gallons Worksheet
Purchase Inventory Worksheet
LAWS, REGULATIONS AND GUIDANCE
7 V.S.A. § 421 Tax on Malt and Vinous Beverages
Brewers, Winemakers, and Distillers: Vermont Taxes and the Manufacture and Sale of Alcoholic Beverages
SOLAR ENERGY CAPACITY TAX
The Solar Energy Capacity Tax (formally known as the Uniform Capacity Tax) is paid by the owners of solar plants with nameplate capacity equal to 50kW or greater. The tax is computed on the capacity of the solar plant, expressed in kW, and is paid annually for plants that are in operation as of December 31 of the tax year.
Multiple facilities are considered one plant when they use common infrastructure, such as roads, control facilities, and connections to the electric grid, and they are not found by the Public Utility Commission to be separate plants.
The Uniform Capacity Tax applies to solar renewable energy plants with a nameplate capacity of 50kW or greater. If your solar plant has nameplate capacity of less than 50kW, there is no tax due beginning with the current tax year.
Due Date
The return and tax are due not later than April 15 of the following year.
Filing Returns
Please note: If your solar plant has nameplate capacity of less than 50kW, there is no tax due beginning with the 2015 tax year.
Form SCT-603, Solar Energy Capacity Tax
Form SE-603A, Solar Energy Capacity Tax Explanation
Please complete and submit Form SE-603A, Solar Energy Capacity Tax Explanation, if your solar plant has a nameplate capacity of 50kW or greater, and you believe you are not subject to the solar energy capacity tax.
Register, file your return, and pay taxes due at myVTax. If you have any questions, contact us at (802) 828-2551 or tax.business@vermont.gov.
LAWS, REGULATIONS AND GUIDANCE
32 V. S. A. Chapter 215 § 8701 Renewable Energy
SOLID WASTE TAX
The Solid Waste Tax is paid by municipalities and facilities certified by the Agency of Natural Resources (ANR) for waste delivered for disposal or incineration, and by haulers permitted by ANR to haul waste to out-of-state facilities. The tax is computed monthly, based on the number of tons of waste delivered for disposal or incineration by municipalities or certified facilities, or waste hauled by permitted haulers to out-of-state facilities.
Due Date
Solid Waste Tax is filed and paid quarterly. The return and tax are due the 30th day of the month following the end of each calendar quarter: i.e., April 30, July 30, October 30, and January 30.
Filing Returns
Form SWT-608, Franchise Tax on Waste Facilities and Commercial Haulers of Solid Waste
Register, file your return, and pay taxes due at myVTax. If you have any questions, contact us at (802) 828-2551 or tax.business@vermont.gov.
LAWS, REGULATIONS AND GUIDANCE
32 V. S. A. Chapter 151 § 5951-5954 Franchise on Waste Facilities
SURPLUS LINES INSURANCE AND DIRECT INSURANCE PLACEMENT TAX
SURPLUS LINES TAX
The Surplus Lines Tax is paid by surplus lines brokers licensed by the Department of Financial Regulation (DFR). The tax is computed on net gross premiums. Zero returns are not required.
Due Date
The report and tax are due the last day of the month following the end of each calendar quarter, i.e., April 30, July 31, October 31, and January 31.
Mandate for Electronic Filing of Returns
Filing online through the Vermont Department of Taxes online system, myVTax, has been mandated by the Commissioner of Taxes. See the myVTax resource center for information about our online filing system.
If you have any questions, contact our Surplus Lines Insurance Tax examiner, (802) 828-6838.
LAWS, REGULATIONS AND GUIDANCE
8 V.S.A. § 5035 Surplus lines tax
DIRECT INSURANCE PLACEMENT TAX
The Direct Insurance Placement Tax is paid by all insureds who procure or continue or renew insurance from any non-admitted insurer pursuant to 8 V.S.A. § 5036. The tax is computed on net gross premiums. Zero returns are not required.
Due Date
The report and tax are due March 1 of the year following the year in which the insurance is procured, continued, or renewed.
Mandate for Electronic Filing of Returns
Filing online through the Vermont Department of Taxes online system, myVTax, has been mandated by the Commissioner of Taxes. See the myVTax resource center for information about our online filing system.
If you have any questions, contact our Insurance Tax examiner, (802) 828-6838.
LAWS, REGULATIONS AND GUIDANCE
8 V.S.A. § 5036 Direct placement of insurance
TELEPHONE BUSINESS TAX
The Telephone Personal Property Tax or alternatively, the Telephone Gross Receipts Tax, is paid by companies owning or operating a telephone business. The Telephone Personal Property Tax is computed annually based on the net book value of the telephone personal property (also known as the plant) as of December 31. It is paid the following year in monthly installments, in addition to corporate or business income tax.
Beginning January 1, 2017, Telephone Personal Property Tax is paid monthly, with a payment due on the 25th day of each month of the calendar year. The first monthly payment will be due January 25, for the personal property valuated as of December of the previous year. For the first two months of each year, make estimated payments.
In order to avoid an underpayment of your estimated tax, which may result in penalty and interest charges, your estimated monthly payments for each of the first two months of the calendar year must either be:
- Equal to one-twelfth (1/12th) of 100% of the tax due for the previous year’s tax, or
- one-twelve (1/12th) of 90% of the year’s actual tax liability.
Use the Payment Voucher to make the installment payments for each month throughout the year, except for the payment due March 25, which is paid with the return.
The Telephone Personal Property Tax Return is filed annually, by March 25. Reconcile the amount due as the March 25 payment with amounts paid as estimates for the first two months in the year, and pay the reconciled third monthly payment with the Return.
The Telephone Gross Receipts Tax is an alternative tax that may be paid by a telephone company that has gross operating revenues below specified thresholds. The tax is paid in lieu of corporate or business income tax. It is paid quarterly.
Due Date
The Telephone Personal Property Tax returns and monthly installment payments of the taxes are due the 25th day of each month of the calendar year following the valuation date. The Telephone Gross Receipts Tax return and tax are due April 25, July 25, October 25 and January 25 of the following year.
Filing Returns
Form TGR-652 Telephone Gross Receipts Tax Return
Form TPP-650 Telephone Personal Property Tax Payment Voucher
Please note: The “Reporting Period” is the last day of the month for which the estimated payment is made. For example, for the January 2018 estimated payment due January 25, 2018, the "Reporting Period" is 01 31 2018.
Telephone Personal Property Tax Return and Schedule, with instructions. Due March 25.
File using myVTax - Form TPP-651, Telephone Personal Property Tax Return and Schedule
Schedule TPP-653, Telephone Personal Property Schedule
Register, file your return, and pay taxes due at myVTax. If you have any questions, contact us at (802) 828-2551 or tax.business@vermont.gov.
LAWS, REGULATIONS AND GUIDANCE
32 V. S. A. Chapter 211 § 8521-8522 Telephone Companies
WIND-POWERED ELECTRIC GENERATING FACILITY TAX
The Wind-Powered Electric Generating Facility Tax is an alternative education property tax on buildings and fixtures used directly and exclusively in the generation of electrical energy from wind power. The tax is levied upon a facility that is certified by the Commissioner of Public Service to meet the following four conditions:
- Produces electrical energy for resale;
- Generates electricity solely from wind power;
- Has an installed capacity of at least one megawatt; and
- Has received a certificate of public good (CPG) under 30 V.S.A. § 248.
The tax is computed on total kWh of wind generated electrical energy produced during the filing period.
Due Date
Wind-Powered Electric Generating Facility Tax is filed and paid semi-annually. The return and tax are due as follows:
- May 1 through October 31 - due November 30
- November 1 through April 30 of the following year - due May 31
Filing Returns
Form WEF-602, Wind-Powered Electric Generating Facility Tax
Register, file your return, and pay taxes due at myVTax. If you have any questions, contact us at (802) 828-2551 or tax.business@vermont.gov.
LAWS, REGULATIONS AND GUIDANCE
32 V. S. A. § 5402c Wind-Powered Electric