Final Hours Of Maryland Tax-Free Week 2018: What Qualifies

ANNAPOLIS, MD — For practical purposes, summer ends in two weeks since most Maryland school districts go back to class on Sept. 4, and there are only a few hours left of Shop Maryland Tax-Free Week. Along with sales tax waived on everything from jeans and shorts to shoes and dresses, part of the sales price of a backpack is also tax-free.

This year's Shop Maryland Tax-Free Week ends Saturday night, Aug. 18, says the Maryland comptroller's office. That means qualifying clothing and footwear sold for $100 or less, per item, is exempt from the 6 percent state sales tax. Accessory items are not included, with the exception of backpacks, a staple of student life; the first $40 toward the cost of a backpack or bookbag is also tax-free.

The state has a detailed list of what is taxable and what is exempt from Maryland's sales tax. (See full list at bottom of story.)

While school uniforms, shirts, shoes, flip-flops, athletic socks, caps and hats, bathing suits, gloves, mittens and underwear are tax exempt, you might be surprised that pajamas, cloth diapers and bathrobes are also exempt. Many medical items such as adult diapers and braces are exempt, along with golf clothes, bowling shoes and shirts, martial arts uniforms and sports uniforms.

Other items on many back-to-school shopping lists — sports cleats, baseball and lacrosse gloves, and football and lacrosse shoulder pads — all remain taxable.

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Shop, Try For College Scholarships

The Maryland Retailers Association is sponsoring a social media contest during Shop Maryland Tax-Free Week in which two winners will receive $2,500 and $1,000 scholarships, respectively, to any Maryland university, college or trade school. During the Tax-Free Week, shoppers should like or follow the official social media pages on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram.

Then snap a picture or take a video that incorporates the theme of "Maryland" (the state colors, school apparel, sports team, a crab, etc.), write a creative caption and use #shopmdtaxfree during Tax-Free Week to submit an entry on any or all of the social media platforms. The retailers group, which is providing the scholarships, will select the two entries at the end of the week that best reflect the spirit of Shop Maryland Tax-Free Week.

Along with saving money, shoppers can earn another benefit: A scholarship to any Maryland university, college or trade school if their photo of a Maryland spirit is entered in a contest via social media.

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, (410) 260-7980 from central Maryland, e-mail shopmaryland@comp.state.md.us, or visit the comptroller's website to read the full list.

Tax-Free Shopping Tips

Even though the Maryland tax holiday falls during the back-to-school rush, there are some school-related items that aren’t included in the list of exempt purchases. Make the most of your tax-free shopping with these tips from Offers.com:

• Steer clear of taxable lunchboxes, textbooks and school supplies, unless they’re on sale. Focus your shopping efforts on non-taxable clothing and shoes instead.
• Stock up on diapers and baby clothes now – you’re going to use them later.
• Tax-free shopping extends to online purchases, so skip the stores and have your items delivered to your door. Find promo codes to your favorite stores with back-to-school coupons and sales.
• No rainchecks accepted – if you buy an item after tax-free week using a raincheck, you’ll still owe tax on that item.
• Shop for the whole family. Though it’s a great time to pick up fall and winter items for the kids, the tax holiday also extends to adults.

Maryland Taxable, Exempt Items by Deb Eatock Belt on Scribd

Photo by Deb Belt/Patch