MD Sales Tax Holiday 2025 Final Weekend: What To Know

Some of the back-to-school supplies, clothing and other essentials your kids need before returning to the classroom are sales-tax free during Maryland’s sales tax holiday, which is in its final weekend.

The tax holiday began Aug. 10 and runs through Aug. 16.

The sales tax holiday is a way to help families save money on school essentials like supplies, clothes, shoes, backpacks and more — and to boost sales at Maryland retailers, according to the state comptroller's office. During the seven-day holiday, the state sales tax of 6 percent is suspended on clothing and shoes under $100 or the first $40 for backpack sales.

Although commonly associated with back-to-school shopping, the tax-free savings apply to shoppers of all ages and includes sweaters, shirts, slacks, jeans, dresses, robes, underwear, belts, shoes and boots priced at $100 or less.

The first $40 of a backpack or bookbag is tax-exempt.

Other eligible items are school uniforms, flip-flops, sneakers, hoodies, athletic socks, caps and hats, bathing suits, gloves, mittens and underwear.

Accessories are still taxable, including jewelry, watches, watchbands, handbags, handkerchiefs, umbrellas, scarves, ties, headbands, and belt buckles.

Plus, special clothing or footwear designed primarily for protective use and not for normal
wear, such as football pads, are taxable.

Among the items that are still taxed are diaper bags, sports helmets, sunglasses, fishing boots and bike helmets.

Some states include school supplies (markers, binders, folders, etc.) in their tax-free weekends, but those classroom supplies are not tax exempt in Maryland.

Common questions about Shop Maryland Tax Free Week are:

Q. Is the first $100 of a more expensive item tax- free? A. No. If a suit costs $110, sales tax is due on the entire $110.

Q. What if I buy a backpack/bookbag that costs more than $40? A. The first $40 is tax-exempt; any amount beyond the first $40 is taxable.

The Maryland General Assembly has only designated clothing, footwear and backpacks or bookbags as eligible items for the 2025 tax-free period.

For more information, call (800) MD-TAXES or (410) 260-7980 from Central Maryland; or send emails to ShopMDTaxFree@marylandtaxes.gov or comptroller@marylandtaxes.gov.