Maryland Tax-Free Shopping Week 2023: When, What To Buy

MARYLAND — As families gear up for the new school year, Maryland parents can save money on back-to-school items during the 2023 sales tax holiday, scheduled for Aug. 13-19.

The sales tax holiday is intended to help families save money on school essentials like supplies, clothes, shoes, backpacks and more — and to boost sales at Maryland retailers.

“Shop Maryland Tax-Free Week is an important opportunity for Marylanders, particularly families, to save some money while doing their back-to-school shopping,” Comptroller Brooke Lierman said in a statement. “The cost of new clothes and backpacks for families of any size can add up quickly.”

During Maryland’s tax-free week, any single qualifying article of clothing or footwear priced $100 or less — regardless of how many items are purchased in the same transaction — will be exempt from the state’s 6 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 shoppers of all ages.

Popular tax-free clothing and footwear this week are sweaters, shirts, slacks, jeans, dresses,
robes, underwear, belts, shoes and boots priced at $100 or less.

While school uniforms, flip-flops, sneakers, hoodies, athletic socks, caps and hats, bathing suits, gloves, mittens and underwear are tax exempt, you might be surprised that fishing vests, pajamas and bathrobes are also exempt.

Many medical items such as adult and baby diapers (both disposable and cloth) and braces are. tax exempt, along with golf clothes, bowling shoes and shirts, martial arts uniforms and sports uniforms.

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.

For more information about Shop Maryland Tax-Free Week, visit the Comptroller’s website for a list of tax-exempt items, frequently asked questions, and facts for shoppers and merchants.

Even though the Maryland tax holiday falls during the back-to-school rush, there are some school-related items that aren’t included in the list of exempt purchases. The folks at Offers.com suggest parents make the most of tax-free shopping by remembering these tips:

• Steer clear of taxable lunchboxes, textbooks and school supplies, unless they’re on sale. Focus your shopping efforts on non-taxable clothing and shoes instead.
• Stock up on diapers and baby clothes now, if you need them – you’re going to use them later.
• No rainchecks accepted – if you buy an item after tax-free week using a raincheck, you’ll still owe tax on that item.
• Shop for the whole family. Though it’s a great time to pick up fall and winter items for the kids, the tax holiday also extends to adults.

Does Maryland Tax-Free Week include online?

Yes. Tax-free shopping extends to online purchases, as long as you order and pay for your item during the tax-free period. So skip the stores and have your items delivered to your door. Find promo codes to your favorite stores with back-to-school coupons and sales.