There’s also a chance for consumers to win a scholarship.
Annapolis, Md (KM) Back to school shopping is underway, and the state is making it a little easier for its citizens. Shop Maryland Tax Free Week takes place between August 11th and August 17th.
Consumers who purchase articles of clothing or footwear $100 or under will not have to pay the 6% Maryland sales tax. In addition, the first $40 of the price of a backpack will not be subject to the 6% sales tax. “It obviously designed for families buying back to clothes. But it applies to any adult item of clothing or footwear also,” says Maryland Comptroller Peter Franchot.
He says the state loses about $6-million in revenue during that time,but it recoups it on other items consumers buy which are still subject to the 6% sales tax.
In addition to Marylanders, Franchot says tax free week also attracts people from surrounding states who want to do some shopping. “You’ll bump into a lot of people in Maryland stores from Delaware, Virginia, Pennsylvania and DC,” he says. “They come into our state during this month. They’re very aware that this is a tax-free week.”
As part of Shop Maryland Tax Free Week, the Maryland Retailers Association is giving away a $2500 scholarship. Consumers need to have a photo taken of themselves buying a tax free item. They can post it on Facebook, Twitter or Instagram, and using the Hashtag #ShopMDTaxFree. Contestants are asked to include a clever caption with their photo.
Franchot says there’s no need to fill out an application form for this scholarship or write an essay. “It’s very popular because it’s so easy to enter,” he says.
By Kevin McManus