Shop Md. Tax Free Week Later This Month

Consumers who purchase certain items will not have to pay the state sales tax.

Frederick, Md. (KM)  Just in time for back-to-school shopping: Shop Maryland Tax-Free Week is taking place from August 14th through August 20th. Maryland Comptroller Peter Franchot says consumers who purchase clothing or shoes which cost under $100 will not to pay the state’s 6% sales tax.

He says there’s no limit on how many items of clothing or shoes under $100 that customers can purchase. “And as a result, people come from Pennsylvania come  in droves, come down and shop in Frederick, Cumberland, Hagerstown and other parts of the state. Normally, we’re going to Pennsylvania or West Virginia to shop,” says Franchot.

Even though Maryland loses some revenue as a result of Tax-Free Week, Franchot says the state more than makes up for that. “We give up a certain amount of sales tax revenue, about $600,000 at the state level,” he says. “But we pick up an enormous shot in the arm, positive jolt to the state’s real economy I call it. It’s great for small businesses and it’s great for consumers.”

Shop Maryland Tax-Free Week was approved by the General Assembly in 2007. “Merchants love it. Marylanders love it. I love it. The Legislature would be drawn and quartered if they ever tried to appeal it,” says Franchot.

The Comptroller will be joining Governor Hogan on Wednesday, August 10th in Frederick to help launch Shop Maryland Tax-Free Week. At 11:00 AM, the two state officials are scheduled to visit Whidden Willow at 23 East Patrick Street and Shabby Chic at 9 West Patrick Street.