Dr. Juliet Agocha Shares Smart Back-to-School Shopping Tips for Maryland Families

MARYLAND — Back-to-school shopping can put significant pressure on a family budget, but Maryland parents have an opportunity to stretch their dollars during Maryland Tax-Free Week, August 9–15, 2026.

For one week, qualifying clothing and footwear purchases can be made without Maryland’s 6% sales tax, giving families an opportunity to reduce some of the costs associated with preparing children for the new school year.

But according to Dr. Juliet Agocha, leadership expert, entrepreneur, educator, and community advocate, the key is not simply to shop—it is to shop strategically.

“Tax-free does not automatically mean you are saving money. The real savings come when families plan ahead, compare prices, stick to a budget, and purchase what their children actually need.”

Before You Shop, Make a Plan

Dr. Agocha encourages parents to begin with a simple back-to-school checklist.

Look through your children's closets, shoes, backpacks, and school supplies before heading to the store. You may discover that some items from last year can still be used.

“Don't buy something simply because it is tax-free,” Dr. Agocha advises. “If your child already has three pairs of perfectly good sneakers, buying another pair may not be a savings—it is simply another expense.”

Understand What Qualifies

Under Maryland's Tax-Free Week rules, qualifying individual clothing and footwear items priced at $100 or less are exempt from the state's 6% sales tax. Importantly, an item that qualifies does not become taxable simply because the total shopping trip exceeds $100.

There is also a special exemption for backpacks and bookbags: the first $40 of a qualifying backpack or bookbag is tax-free.

Parents should check Maryland's official guidance for specific qualifying and non-qualifying items before making major purchases.

Don't Let “Tax-Free” Become an Excuse to Overspend

A tax-free purchase is still a purchase.

Dr. Agocha recommends setting a spending limit before shopping and separating needs from wants.

She also encourages parents to compare prices among different retailers.

“A 6% tax savings is helpful, but a retailer offering a 20% discount may give you a greater overall savings. Always compare the final price.”

Parents should also look for store promotions, clearance sections, loyalty discounts, coupons, and other legitimate offers that can be combined with the tax-free savings when permitted.

Shop Local When You Can

Tax-Free Week can also be an opportunity to support Maryland's small businesses.

Dr. Agocha encourages families to consider shopping at locally owned brick-and-mortar stores when prices and selection make sense.

“When we support local businesses, we're not just buying a pair of shoes or a school outfit,” she says. “We're helping keep dollars circulating within our communities and supporting the families and entrepreneurs who live and work here.”

Five Simple Ways Parents Can Save

1. Shop your home first.
Check what you already have before buying something new.

2. Create a shopping list.
Know what your child needs and avoid unnecessary purchases.

3. Set a budget.
Decide how much you can afford to spend—and stick to it.

4. Compare prices.
Tax-free doesn't necessarily mean the lowest price. Check multiple stores and online retailers.

5. Think beyond this week.
Purchase quality basics that your children can continue wearing throughout the school year rather than buying too much at once.

Every Dollar Counts

For families preparing multiple children for a new school year, even modest savings can add up. The goal of Tax-Free Week should not be to encourage families to spend more, but to help them spend smarter.

Dr. Agocha's message to Maryland parents is simple:

“Families don't have to spend more to save more. Make a plan, prioritize your children's needs, compare prices, and take advantage of the tax-free opportunity wisely. Every dollar saved is a dollar that can go toward something else your family needs.”

As Maryland families prepare for another school year, Tax-Free Week offers more than a shopping opportunity—it is a chance to plan wisely, stretch household budgets, and start the school year financially prepared.

Smart shopping starts with a plan. And sometimes, the best deal is the purchase you decide not to make.