Maryland’s 2025 Tax-Free Week Kicks Off Aug. 10

LA PLATA, Md. — It’s almost that time of year again — when Maryland families get a break on back-to-school shopping just in time to restock closets, replace worn-out shoes, and snag those must-have backpacks without the extra tax burden. Maryland’s annual Shop Maryland Tax-Free Week is back from Sunday, Aug. 10 through Saturday, Aug. 16, 2025.

During this seven-day period, shoppers will not be charged the state’s 6% sales tax on individual clothing and footwear items priced at $100 or less. Additionally, the first $40 of each backpack or bookbag purchase will be exempt from sales tax. Maryland’s 2025 Shop Maryland Tax-Free Week continues under the same rules as 2024, with no legislative changes or updates announced.

The tax-free event is timed to support families preparing for the school year and boost local retail traffic during the late summer shopping season.

Items that do not qualify for the exemption include:

Accessories such as jewelry, watches, handbags, and umbrellas
Protective or athletic gear like football pads, cleats, or steel-toe boots
Alteration services and sewing supplies including fabric, thread, and buttons

Purchases made online may also be eligible if the order is both paid for and shipped during the tax-free period, and if the retailer collects Maryland sales tax.

Yes — Layaway and Online Orders Count Too

Tax-free week benefits aren’t limited to in-store purchases. Online orders qualify if:

Paid for and delivered to the customer during the tax-free period, or
Ordered and paid for during the tax-free period, and the retailer accepts the order for immediate shipment, even if delivery occurs after the week ends.

However, items placed on backorder or not charged to the customer until they are shipped will not qualify for the exemption. Customers are advised to check that online retailers collect Maryland sales tax and confirm shipping timelines to ensure eligibility.

Layaway plans are also eligible. If a shopper places an item on layaway during the tax-free week, the purchase is exempt — even if the final payment is made later. If the layaway order is initiated after Aug. 16, normal sales tax applies.

For more information, including a full list of eligible and excluded items, see the Comptroller’s Office detailed FAQ for 2024, available here: Maryland Comptroller Tax-Free Week FAQ (PDF)