Indiana Vape Tax Compliance for Small Vape Shops

For small vape shops in Indiana, understanding and staying compliant with the Indiana vape tax is essential. Changes in excise tax rates and monthly reporting requirements impact pricing, cash flow, and operations. Many US small business owners use tax filing services in the US to ensure accurate reporting, timely payments, and proper recordkeeping for state audits.

This blog explains the latest rules for 2025, including tax rates, filing requirements, licensing, and how professional services can help simplify compliance.

1. Vape and E-Cigarette Tax Rates in Indiana

Indiana imposes an Electronic Cigarette Tax on vape products, including e-liquids and both open and closed system devices. Key details for 2025:

  • Closed-system cartridges and alternative nicotine products: Tax rate increased from 15% to 30% of the wholesale price effective July 1, 2025.

  • Open-system e-liquids (vape juice): Taxed at the same percentage of wholesale cost.

  • Other Tobacco Products (OTP): Includes moist snuff, which is taxed at $0.50 per ounce, and other tobacco-related items.

  • These rates apply to both in-state and out-of-state sellers delivering products to Indiana customers.

Insight for small businesses: Higher tax rates affect wholesale costs, pricing strategies, and overall profit margins.

2. Licensing Requirements

Operating legally requires proper licensing:

  • Retailers must be licensed to collect and remit electronic cigarette and OTP taxes.

  • The Indiana Alcohol and Tobacco Commission (ATC) enforces compliance and can impose penalties or suspend licenses for violations.

  • Licensing is required for every business location selling vape products.

Tip: Ensure all locations, including temporary or online storefronts, are licensed to avoid fines.

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3. Filing and Reporting Obligations

Indiana mandates monthly excise tax reporting, and small vape shops must adapt to updated workflows:

  • Filing frequency: Monthly, starting July 2025.

  • Forms and platform: Revised PACT Act reporting format via the INTIME online portal (replacing INtax).

  • Required records: Detailed sales and purchase information for e-liquids, closed and open systems, and OTPs.

  • Deadline: Returns must be submitted electronically each month to the Indiana Department of Revenue (DOR).

Implementing POS systems that integrate wholesale costs and tax calculations will make monthly reporting more efficient.

4. Compliance and Enforcement

Maintaining compliance is critical to avoid penalties:

  • Indiana DOR and ATC audit retailers for tax collection accuracy.

  • Violations can result in monetary fines, interest, and license suspension.

  • Taxable products include e-liquids, cartridges, disposables, and other nicotine products defined in official DOR documents.

  • Refer to the Electronic Cigarette Taxability Matrix and compliance guidelines provided by Indiana DOR for clarity on taxable products.

Pro tip: Keep detailed records for at least 3 years to ensure readiness for audits.

5. Impact on Small Vape Shops

The 2025 tax changes affect small business operations in multiple ways:

  • Increased wholesale costs: The 30% rate on closed systems and OTP taxes raises overall product costs.

  • Monthly reporting workload: More frequent filings require additional administrative effort.

  • Pricing adjustments: Retailers may need to increase prices to maintain margins.

  • Cash flow planning: Monthly payments necessitate careful budgeting to meet obligations.

Businesses selling a mix of open and closed systems must carefully track sales by product type to avoid misreporting.

6. How Tax Filing Services in the US Can Help

Professional tax filing services in the US provide support for small Indiana vape shops in these areas:

  • Accurate tax calculation: Ensures all products, including open and closed systems, are taxed correctly at 30% or applicable OTP rates.

  • Timely filing: Monthly electronic submissions through INTIME avoid penalties and interest.

  • Recordkeeping: Maintains organized records for audits, including detailed purchase and sales histories.

  • Regulatory updates: Monitors changes in Indiana vape tax law to keep small businesses compliant.

  • Operational efficiency: Frees up owners to focus on growth and customer service instead of navigating complex tax regulations.

Summary

In 2025, Indiana small vape shops must navigate a 30% excise tax on closed-system cartridges and OTPs, monthly electronic filings, and licensing requirements. Compliance affects pricing, cash flow, and administrative workload. Using professional tax filing services in the US can simplify reporting, ensure accurate tax remittance, and help small businesses focus on growth while staying fully compliant with Indiana’s evolving vape tax regulations.

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