Maryland's tax-free shopping week has finally arrived! After a four-year hiatus on the tax-free shopping week, the state decided to reinstate the tax break for families in Maryland due to the decline in the economy.
Joe Shapiro, director of communications for the Maryland comptroller’s office, says that the tax-free shopping week has returned because “I think just because it is toward the end of summer and people are getting ready to go back to school,” Shapiro said. “Parents are getting the kids ready, college students are going back to school and adults are changing seasons.”
He goes on to say, “Given this economy of the state and of the nation, Maryland families have been suffering, and they deserve a week,” he said. “It’s also to help the Maryland retailers. It could give them an end-of-summer boost.”
Maryland plans to continue tax-free shopping week every year, as long as the General Assembly allows it.
Many area malls have been readying for this week, including White Marsh Mall, Prime Outlets, Valley Mall, and Mondawmin Mall.
Qualifying purchases of clothing and shoes $100 and under are exempt from the sales tax this week. This exemption does not include accessories like watches, jewelry, and handbags.
Tax-free weekend scheduled for February
Maryland has also planned a tax-free weekend Feb. 19-21, during which the sales and use tax will not apply to certain Energy Star products or solar water heaters.
Energy Star products means an air conditioner, clothes washer or dryer, furnace, heat pump, standard size refrigerator, compact fluorescent light bulb, dehumidifier, or programmable thermostat designated as meeting or exceeding the applicable Energy Star Efficiency requirements developed by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency and the U.S. Department of Energy.
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