ANNAPOLIS — Shop Maryland Tax-Free Week begins August 9 with savings for customers, scholarship opportunities for college and trade school students and a catalyst to spur sales for retailers.
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, Comptroller Peter Franchot reminds Marylanders that the tax-free savings apply to shoppers of all ages.
Additionally, the Maryland Retailers Association (MRA) is offering scholarships to two students attending a Maryland university, college or trade school ($1,000 for first place and $500 for second place) by explaining how they helped a Maryland business keep the lights on during the COVID-19 pandemic.
Entries may be submitted via email to shopmdtaxfree@marylandtaxes.gov.
The University System of Maryland has agreed to match the $1,000 scholarship award if a student attending one of their 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.
MRA, which is providing the scholarship money, will select the two entries that best exhibit a young Marylander supporting a small business during these challenging times.
For more information about Shop Maryland Tax-Free Week, visit www.marylandtaxes.gov, hover over the "News" tab and click on Comptroller Initiatives.
