Tax-Free Shopping Comes to Maryland for One Week

Shoppers, get ready. Shop Maryland Tax-Free Week is Aug. 10-16.

“Each year this initiative helps Maryland families and gives large and small retailers a boost in these financially challenging times,” said Comptroller Peter Franchot, according to a news release. “All hard-working Maryland moms and dads deserve this annual tax break as they prepare to send their children back to school.”

All clothing and shoes priced $100 or less will be exempt from the 6 percent state sales tax for the week.

Tax-Free Week is a result of legislation passed in 2007 during a special session of the Maryland General Assembly. Tax-Free Week occurs annually during the second week in August.

“Back-to-school shopping is the second-biggest shopping season for retailers,” said Patrick Donoho, president of the Maryland Retailers Association. “Tax-Free Week has become a welcomed opportunity for consumers to save on clothing and footwear as they prepare for the new school year. In these tough economic times, retailers throughout the state will be offering promotions and sales to get shoppers into their stores.”

Businesses that sell items not included in Tax-Free Week are still able to participate under “Sellers Privilege,” but the retailer is responsible to pay the sales tax owed to the state.

For more information on qualifying items, visit the Comptroller of Maryland’s website, email shopmaryland@comp.state.md.us or call 410-260-7980.

Photo Credit: File|Patch