Maryland Sales Tax-Free Week 2016: Dates, What Qualifies?

It's only the third week of July, but Maryland's sales tax holiday for school supplies and clothing is less than a month away.

This year's no sales tax week is Aug. 14-20.

The second Sunday of August to the following Saturday is designated as Shop Maryland Tax-Free Week each year, says the Maryland comptroller's office. That means qualifying apparel and footwear $100 or less, per item, are exempt from the state sales tax. Accessory items are not included.

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The state has a detailed list of what is taxable and what is exempt from Maryland’s sales tax that week. (See full list at bottom of story.)

While school uniforms, shirts, shoes, flip flops and underwear are tax exempt, you might be surprised that pajamas, cloth diapers and bathrobes are also exempt that week. Many medical items such as adult diapers and braces are exempt, along with golf clothes, martial arts uniforms and sports uniforms.

But, sports cleats, baseball and lacrosse gloves, bookbags, and backpacks all remain taxable that week.

Online purchases may qualify if purchased and delivered during the tax-free week.

According to the state comptroller, the Maryland legislature established the tax-free week as an annual observance from the second Sunday of the month to the subsequent Saturday.

For more information, call 800-MD-TAXES or e-mail shopmaryland@comp.state.md.us.

MD sales tax week by Deb Eatock Belt on Scribd