Maryland Tax-Free Week Starts Soon: Here's What Qualifies

Maryland shoppers can save on back-to-school purchases beginning Sunday as the state's annual tax-free week returns.

From 12:01 a.m. Sunday through 11:59 p.m. on Aug. 15, qualifying clothing and footwear priced at $100 or less per item will be exempt from Maryland's 6% sales tax.

The tax break applies to eligible purchases made at Maryland retailers, including online orders placed during the tax-free week.

• Related: How To Stretch Your Dollar While Back-To-School Shopping In MD

"As families across Maryland prepare for the school year, every dollar matters," Comptroller Brooke Lierman said. "Shop Maryland Tax-Free Week helps parents stretch their budgets while encouraging Marylanders to support the local businesses that strengthen our communities."

What Supplies Are Tax-Exempt?

Although commonly associated with back-to-school shopping, the tax-free savings apply to shoppers of all ages and include sweaters, shirts, slacks, jeans, dresses, robes, underwear, belts, shoes and boots priced at $100 or less.

The first $40 of a backpack or bookbag is tax-exempt.

Other eligible items are school uniforms, flip-flops, sneakers, hoodies, athletic socks, caps and hats, bathing suits, gloves, mittens and underwear, according to the comptroller's office.

Accessories are still taxable, including jewelry, watches, watchbands, handbags, handkerchiefs, umbrellas, scarves, ties, headbands, and belt buckles.

Plus, special clothing or footwear designed primarily for protective use and not for normal wear, such as football pads, are taxable.

Among the items that will still be taxed are diaper bags, sports helmets, sunglasses, fishing boots and bike helmets.

Some states include school supplies (markers, binders, folders, etc.) in their tax-free weekends, but those classroom supplies are not tax-exempt in Maryland.

In addition to the tax holiday, shoppers can enter the Maryland Tax-Free Week Video Contest for a chance to win up to $1,000. The contest is sponsored by the Maryland Retailers Alliance in partnership with the Comptroller's Office, and entries are due by Aug. 12 and can be submitted online.

A complete list of qualifying items and contest information is available on the Comptroller of Maryland's website.