Some purchases made by consumers will not be subject to Maryland’s 6% Sales and Use Tax.
Md. Comptroller Brooke Lierman (Photo from Md. Comptroller’s Office)
Annapolis, Md (KM) From now until Saturday, August 16th, consumers in Maryland can shop for clothing and shoes priced under $100 each, and not pay the 6% sales tax.. It’s called Shop Maryland Tax Free Week, and it was established by state law in 2007.
“I hear from so many people who wait to make their purchases until this week,” says Maryland Comptroller Brooke Lierman. :”We know from our friends at the Retailers Alliance that this is a huge and important week for them as well.”
Lierman says Shop Maryland Tax Free Week is taking place close to back-to-school time, and not having to pay the sales tax on certain clothing items can help with a family’s budget. “Especially today, when prices are rising across the country, we want to make sure that Marylanders have the opportunity to make those important back-to-school purchases, and make it cost a little less. So we’re excited to be in tax-free week right now,” she says.
In addition to clothing and shoes under $100 each, consumers can save on the sales tax for the first $40 on the price of backpacks purchased during Shop Maryland Tax Free Week.
A lot of students going to schools use computer laptops and other electronic devices. But Lierman says Tax Free Week doesn’t include these products. “This is state law that was passed a number of years ago before most students needed a personal laptop; certainly well before students had phones,” she says.
Lierman says if it wanted to, the General Assembly could extend the tax free status to computers and electronics in the future.
She acknowledges the state could lose some revenue during Shop Maryland Tax Free Week. “But I certainly think it’s worth it to help out Marylanders during tough times And the state sees a projected revenue loss of $9-million this week,” says Lierman.
By Kevin McManus