Maryland Sales Tax Waived Feb. 18-20 For Energy Star Appliances

ANNAPOLIS, MD — Maryland shoppers save money during the Shop Maryland Energy Weekend Feb. 18-Feb. 20, which lets consumers skip paying the state's 6 percent sales tax on qualifying Energy Star appliances.

Throughout Presidents’ Day weekend, these appliances with the Energy Star label, purchased in-store or online, are exempt from Maryland's sales tax:

• Air conditioners
• Washers and dryers
• Furnaces
• Heat pumps
• Boilers
• Solar water heaters (tax-exempt at all times now)
• Standard size refrigerators
• Dehumidifiers
• Programmable thermostats
• Compact fluorescent and LED light bulbs

Solar water heaters are tax-exempt year-round.

“Replacing an outdated appliance during Shop Maryland Energy Weekend with one that runs better and is more energy efficient, whether it’s used or new, will save you money ̶ both at the time of purchase and over its useful life,” Comptroller Brooke Lierman said in a news release. “Many manufacturers, retailers and utility companies will also be offering hundreds of dollars of additional savings during this weekend. And for Maryland families looking for another reason to buy, owning Energy Star appliances will help bring down the cost of those monthly energy bills.”

Residents can reduce their energy consumption and receive cost benefits with their purchase of energy efficient products, said Paul G. Pinsky, director of the Maryland Energy Administration, in a statement. With programs like these, sales tax exemption for the sale of solar energy equipment and Clean Energy Rebates, Maryland continues to work toward clean energy goals by making these technologies more affordable.

The comptroller encourages Marylanders to make their purchases at locally-owned retailers that count on these sales during an otherwise slow time of year. To receive the Energy Star label, a product must meet strict standards for energy efficiency set by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency. For more information about the Energy Star label and to view eligible products, visit energystar.gov.

The tax-free weekend for energy-efficient appliances began in 2011. The comptroller's office estimates while the state loses $800,000 in direct tax revenue on the purchase of Energy Star products, additional sales on other taxable products generates unanticipated tax dollars and the environmental impact carries long-term financial benefits.