Annapolis, Md. – Comptroller Peter Franchot is encouraging shoppers to take advantage of Maryland’s tax-free week which begins Sunday, August 9, and runs through Saturday, August 15. During that time, any single, qualifying article of clothing or footwear priced $100 or less – regardless of how many purchased – will be exempt from the state’s 6 percent sales tax.

“Shop Maryland Tax-Free Week is a great opportunity to get deals on back-to-school clothes or to refresh a tired wardrobe,” Comptroller Franchot said. “During these tough economic times, having a break from the 6 percent sales tax on shoes and clothing can make a real difference for families, enabling them to save more of their hard-earned money. Retailers also benefit with a boost in revenue. The savings can really add up for families, putting more money in their pockets.”

The Comptroller will be promoting the annual shopping event at various retail locations throughout the state to encourage shoppers to take advantage of the sales tax break on back-to-school clothes and shoes. He will visit shops and stores in Baltimore, Baltimore County, Annapolis, Queenstown, Bethesda and Waldorf.

“Back-to-school shopping is the second biggest shopping season for retailers,” said Maryland Retailers Association spokesperson Tom Saquella. “Tax-Free Week has become a welcomed opportunity for consumers to save on clothing and footwear as they prepare for the new school year, and also for adults looking to buy something from the new fall clothing lines. Tax-Free Week is a wonderful gift provided every year to Maryland taxpayers and you can count on Maryland retailers to do their part with great sales and promotions.”

Resulting from legislation passed in the 2007 special session of the Maryland General Assembly, a tax-free week will occur every year during the second week in August, until the legislature decides to revisit the issue. During this period, each qualifying article of clothing or footwear selling for $100 or less is exempt from sales tax, regardless of how many items are purchased at the same time.

            Businesses selling items that are not eligible for inclusion in the tax-free week can still participate in Shop Maryland. Under “Sellers Privilege,” other unqualified merchandise can be sold tax-free but the retailer is responsible for paying the sales tax owed to the state.

For more information on qualifying items, visit the Comptroller of Maryland’s Website at www.marylandtaxes.com, e-mail taxhelp@comp.state.md.us or call 410-260-7980 in Central Maryland or toll-free at 1-800-MD-TAXES.

Planned stops for Shop Maryland Tax-Free Week include:

Tuesday, August 4   
11 a.m.                      
The Avenue at White Marsh
(Starting at Famous Footwear)
8125 Honeygo Blvd.
Baltimore, MD 21236

2:30 p.m.
Cloud 9 Clothing
111 West 36th St.
Baltimore, MD 21211

Thursday, August 6
11 a.m.
Queenstown Premium Outlets
(Starting near the Eddie Bauer store)
441 Outlet Center Drive
Queenstown, MD 21658

12:30 p.m.
Hatley Boutique
158 Main St.
Annapolis, MD 21401

Friday, August 7
11 a.m.
Beyda’s Lad & Lassie
5444 Westbard Ave.
Bethesda, MD 20816

1 p.m.
St. Charles Center
(Starting at Center Court)
11110 Mall Circle
Waldorf, MD 20603