Maryland Tax-Free Week Is Underway: What Shoppers Can—and Cannot—Buy Without Sales Tax

Maryland’s annual back-to-school sales-tax holiday is underway, but the exemption is based on the price of each qualifying item—not the total receipt.

Shop Maryland Tax-Free Week runs from Sunday, August 9, through Saturday, August 15. During that period, qualifying clothing and footwear priced at $100 or less per item are exempt from Maryland’s 6% sales tax.

That means two qualifying sweaters priced at $60 each can both be tax-free even though the combined purchase exceeds $100. By contrast, an individual clothing item costing more than $100 remains taxable; the first $100 of that item is not partially exempt.

Backpacks and bookbags receive different treatment. The first $40 of a qualifying backpack or bookbag purchase is exempt. Most other accessories—including jewelry, watches, handbags, umbrellas, scarves, ties and belt buckles—remain taxable. Protective athletic equipment not designed for ordinary wear, such as football pads, is also taxable.

The week can offer practical savings for families buying school clothing, work basics and everyday footwear. Still, shoppers should check whether every item qualifies before assuming the full cart is exempt.

For local retailers, the event is also an opportunity to capture back-to-school spending before the academic year begins. Maryland shoppers should keep receipts and review the Comptroller’s official guidance if a purchase includes mixed taxable and exempt merchandise.