The best time to do back-to-school shopping is Shop Maryland Tax-Free Week held this year August 9-15, 2026.
Qualifying articles of clothing and footwear that cost $100 or less are exempt from Maryland’s 6 percent sales tax during that week. It doesn’t matter how many items are purchased, as long as each one costs $100 or less. Also, the first $40 of a backpack or bookbag purchase will also be tax-free.
Accessories such as purses, briefcases, jewelry and ties are not exempt, and neither is protective sports equipment or pads. Sports uniforms that are not protective are tax-exempt, however. Click here for a list of exempt items.
Tax-free week resulted from legislation passed in 2007 that set aside the second week of August as the tax-free week until the legislature revisits the issue.
Some retailers may also offer tax-free deals to consumers on merchandise that doesn’t qualify using “Sellers Privilege,” but they pay the tax to the state for those items.
An added bonus to shopping tax-free week this year is the opportunity to win up to $1,000 simply by posting a fun photo or video while shopping and tagging @MDComptroller and @MarylandRetailersAlliance, with #ShopMDTaxFreeContest.
Click here for details on Shop Maryland Tax-Free Week.
Updated August 2026
