As summer comes to an end, students and families in Maryland are gearing up for the upcoming school year. With many school districts starting classes in just two weeks on August 26, the rush to get school supplies and new clothes is on. Luckily, Maryland residents are currently enjoying a tax-free shopping week, providing savings on clothing, shoes, and backpacks.
From now until Saturday, August 17, shoppers can take advantage of skipping Maryland’s 6% sales tax on clothing items and shoes priced under $100. Additionally, the first $40 of a backpack purchase is also untaxed. This tax-free discount is a great opportunity for families to save some money as they prepare for the new school year.
However, it’s important to note that the tax-free savings do not apply to other school supplies. Some shoppers have expressed their wish for the discount to extend to other back-to-school essentials, as the cost of supplies continues to rise. Mom-of-four, Keli Brown, shared her experience of spending over $250 on school supplies, highlighting the increasing expenses families face when getting ready for the school year.
Despite the limitations on tax-free items, savvy shoppers like Kendall Wilson are making the most of the savings. Wilson mentioned shopping at retailer discounts at the Tanger Outlets in Oxon Hill, in addition to taking advantage of the tax-free week. He shared how he was able to purchase a pair of shoes for his brother at a significantly reduced price, thanks to the discounts available.
Retailers like Target in Oxon Hill are also offering in-store savings on backpacks and clothes, which can be stacked on top of the tax-free discount. This provides shoppers with even more opportunities to save on back-to-school essentials. For those who prefer online shopping, qualifying items can still be purchased tax-free if they ship to a Maryland address before the Saturday deadline.
Overall, the tax-free shopping week in Maryland is a great opportunity for families to save money as they prepare for the upcoming school year. With the cost of school supplies and clothing on the rise, every little bit of savings helps. Whether shopping in-store or online, residents can take advantage of the tax-free discount to make back-to-school shopping a little more affordable.