Maryland Sales Tax-Free Week 2015: When, What Qualifies?

Maryland’s tax-free shopping week starts Sunday, giving parents a break on all the essential clothing and footwear kids might need for back-to-school without having to pay state sales tax.

During the tax-free period, qualifying clothing and footwear that costs $100 or less, per item, is exempt from the state sales tax. Accessories are not included.

For 2015, Tax-Free Week in Maryland is Sunday, Aug. 9, to Saturday, Aug. 15.

The state has a detailed list of what is taxable and what is exempt from Maryland’s sales tax that week.

While school uniforms, shirts, shoes, flip flops and underwear are tax exempt, you might be surprised that pajamas, cloth diapers and bathrobes are also exempt that week.

Sadly, bookbags, backpacks and lacrosse gloves remain taxable that week.

Online purchases may qualify if purchased and delivered during the tax-free week.

According to the state comptroller, the Maryland legislature established the tax-free week as an annual observance from the second Sunday of the month to the subsequent Saturday.

For more information, call 800-MD-TAXES or e-mailshopmaryland@comp.state.md.us.