From August 9-15, any single qualifying article of clothing or footwear priced $100 or less – regardless of how many items are purchased at the same time – will be exempt from the state’s six percent sales tax. The first $40 of any backpack purchase is also tax-free.
Although commonly associated with back-to-school shopping, the tax-free savings apply to purchases unrelated to back-to-school buys, as well. A detailed list of items can be found here.
“This is one of my favorite weeks of the year because it’s a win for shoppers and businesses, while jolting Maryland’s economy during the slow summer months,” said Comptroller Peter Franchot in a statement. “This year more than ever, it’s critical to shop local to support the small retailers who are going above and beyond to continue paying employees, creating a safe environment for customers and finding new ways to sell their products during a global pandemic.”
Also this week, the Maryland Retailers Association will also offer scholarships to two students attending a Maryland university, college or trade school. The association will award the scholarships to two students who have helped a Maryland business keep the lights on during the COVID-19 pandemic.
Entries may be submitted via email to shopmdtaxfree@marylandtaxes.gov or can be posted on the tax-free week’s social media pages: Shop Maryland Tax-Free on Facebook and @shopmdtaxfree on Twitter and Instagram. Business owners, parents, colleagues and friends are encouraged to submit a nomination. Students may also self-nominate.
The University System of Maryland has agreed to match the $1,000 scholarship award if a student attending one of its universities is selected as the first place winner. Administrators at Stevenson University, Hood College and the Maryland Institute for College Art (MICA) have also agreed to match the $1,000 first-place prize if one of their students is selected.
For more information about Shop Maryland Tax-Free Week,visit www.marylandtaxes.gov.
