For parents across Maryland, August brings more than just the final days of summer vacation – it’s also a chance to stretch their dollars as they gear up for the new school year.
From Sunday, August 10, through Saturday, August 16, Maryland will once again host its Shop Maryland Tax-Free Week, giving shoppers a full week to skip the state’s 6% sales tax on qualifying clothing and footwear priced at $100 or less. The annual event, now a back-to-school tradition, also covers the first $40 of the price of backpacks and bookbags.
“This is a great way to keep money in the pockets of hardworking Marylanders,” Comptroller Brooke Lierman said. “Families are making every dollar count right now, and this week can make a real difference.”
First launched in 2007, the tax holiday was designed to help parents save during one of the most expensive shopping seasons of the year. The Maryland Retailers Alliance estimates that hundreds of thousands of residents take advantage of the event annually, often pairing the tax savings with store sales for deeper discounts.
“It’s more than just a 6% savings – it’s about supporting local businesses,” said Cailey Locklair, the group’s president. “Every time you shop in your own community, you’re strengthening it.”
What’s Covered – and What’s Not
Qualifying items include everyday apparel like shirts, jeans, sweaters, dresses, shoes, and boots, as long as the price tag reads $100 or less. The backpack and bookbag discount applies only to the first $40 of the purchase price.
The week does not cover accessories such as jewelry, handbags, and watches, nor does it apply to protective gear or clothing designed for sports. Items used for crafts or tailoring services also remain taxable.
Shoppers should note that the $100 limit applies per item, not to the total purchase. That means multiple qualifying items can be purchased tax-free in the same transaction.
Online Orders Count Too
The tax savings aren’t just for in-store shoppers. Online orders qualify as long as they are paid for and accepted for immediate shipment during the tax-free week – even if delivery happens later.
And if a store accidentally charges sales tax on an eligible purchase? Consumers can request a refund by submitting a form through the Maryland Comptroller’s Office.
