Hogan and Franchot to Encourage Shopping During Tax-Free Week, August 14-20

State Sales Tax Waived for Qualifying Clothing and Footwear Under $100

ANNAPOLIS, Md. – Governor Larry Hogan will join Comptroller Peter Franchot in Frederick on Wednesday, August 10, to promote and maybe do a little shopping in advance of the annual Shop Maryland Tax-Free Week, which takes place August 14-20. During that week, any single, qualifying article of clothing or footwear priced $100 or less – regardless of how many items are purchased at the same time – will be exempt from the state’s 6 percent sales tax.

“I’m delighted Governor Hogan will join me to let Marylanders know about an opportunity to keep more of their hard-earned money as they shop back-to-school sales for their children or themselves,” Comptroller Franchot said. “A break on the cost of clothing and shoes can make a real difference and help stretch family budgets. Local retailers also benefit with increased foot traffic.”

In addition to Frederick, the Comptroller will be promoting Tax-Free Week with visits to stores in Takoma Park, Baltimore, Frederick, Towson and Cambridge. Cailey Locklair Tolle, president of the Maryland Retailers Association, or Maddy Voytek, legislative and membership assistant at the MRA, will join the Comptroller at several businesses.

“Tax-free week is an excellent opportunity for Marylanders to take advantage of apparel and footwear tax savings priced at less than $100 per item,” Tolle said. “The week provides a much-needed boost to brick-and-mortar retailers in our state and we encourage all consumers to support their local businesses.”

Resulting from legislation passed by the Maryland General Assembly in 2007, the tax-free week is held annually during the second week in August.

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:

Thursday, August 4, 1:45 p.m.
Montgomery County
Amano, 7034 Carroll Avenue, Takoma Park, MD 20912

Tuesday, August 9, 11 a.m.
Baltimore City
Mondawmin Mall, 2401 Liberty Heights Ave. (Center Court), Baltimore, MD 21215

Wednesday August 10, 11 a.m.
Frederick County
Whidden Willow, 23 E. Patrick St., and Shabby Chic, 9 West Patrick St., Frederick MD, 21701

Thursday, August 11, Noon
Baltimore County
Plato’s Closet, 919 Taylor Ave., Towson, MD 21286

Friday, August 12, 11 a.m.
Dorchester County
Sunnyside Shop, 500 Popular St., Cambridge, MD 21613