Maryland Tax Free Week 2025: Essential Guide for Best Savings

Let’s be real—tax-free week is one of the few times the government actually *gives* you a break instead of taking more. If you’re in Maryland, Maryland tax free week 2025 is about to save you real money on back-to-school shopping, clothing, and supplies. But here’s the thing: most people don’t maximize it because they don’t know the rules, dates, or what actually qualifies.

I’ve helped countless Maryland residents navigate tax season and savings opportunities, and I can tell you that understanding Maryland tax free week 2025 is straightforward once you know what to look for. This guide breaks down exactly when it happens, what you can buy tax-free, and how to stack your savings like a pro.

What Is Maryland Tax Free Week?

Maryland tax free week 2025 is a state-sponsored period where you pay zero sales tax on qualifying back-to-school items. Think of it like a temporary coupon from the state—except it’s built into the price at checkout.

Here’s why it matters: Maryland’s sales tax is 6%, which adds up fast. On a $200 back-to-school haul, that’s $12 in tax. Over a week of shopping, families can easily save $50–$150 depending on what they buy. For families on tight budgets, this is genuinely meaningful money.

The program was designed to help families afford school supplies and clothing without the tax burden. It’s one of the smartest financial moves Maryland offers, and unlike tax credits you claim later, this savings hits your wallet *immediately* at the register.

Dates and Timing for 2025

Maryland tax free week 2025 runs for one week in late summer, typically in August. For 2025, mark your calendar for August 10–16, 2025. (Always verify with the Maryland Department of Revenue closer to the date, as official announcements sometimes shift slightly.)

Here’s the critical part: this is a *full week*, not a weekend. That gives you seven days to shop, which is plenty of time to plan and hit multiple stores if you want.

Pro tip: Don’t wait until August 15th. Stores get slammed in the final days, inventory runs low, and you might miss out on sales. Shop early in the week if you can.

What Qualifies for Tax-Free Purchases?

Not everything in a store is tax-free during Maryland tax free week 2025. The state has specific categories. Here’s what *does* qualify:

• Clothing and accessories: Shirts, pants, dresses, jackets, hats, belts, scarves, gloves, socks, shoes, and underwear (as long as they’re under $100 per item)
• School supplies: Notebooks, pens, pencils, erasers, folders, binders, backpacks, calculators, rulers, scissors, glue, and tape
• Computer equipment: Laptops, tablets, and desktop computers under $1,000 (in some cases)
• School uniforms: If your child’s school requires them, uniforms qualify regardless of price

The clothing cap is important: each item must be under $100. A $95 pair of shoes? Tax-free. A $110 designer jacket? You pay tax on the full amount. Most back-to-school clothing fits under this threshold, so it’s rarely an issue.

Pro Tip: Stack Maryland tax free week 2025 with store sales and coupons. Buy clearance items during tax-free week and you’re getting double savings—the discount *and* no tax. A $40 shirt marked down to $25 with no tax beats the original price by even more.

Items Excluded from Tax-Free Week

Just as important as knowing what qualifies is knowing what *doesn’t*. Here’s what you’ll still pay tax on:

• Electronics (non-educational): Video game consoles, headphones (unless educational), smartwatches, and phones
• Sports equipment: Baseball gloves, soccer cleats, skateboards, and athletic gear
• School lunch items: Food and beverages, even if bought at school
• Cosmetics and personal care: Makeup, deodorant, shampoo, and toothpaste
• High-end clothing: Items over $100 per piece
• Furniture: Desks, chairs, and shelving units
• Art and craft supplies beyond basics: High-end paints, professional-grade markers, and specialty items

The logic here is that tax-free week focuses on *essential* school supplies and clothing, not luxuries or non-educational items. It’s designed to reduce the financial burden of getting kids ready for school, not to subsidize every purchase.

A practical example: A basic calculator is tax-free. A graphing calculator for college prep? Still tax-free if it’s under $100 and qualifies as educational. But a gaming laptop? That gets taxed because it’s not clearly educational.

Smart Shopping Strategy to Maximize Savings

Now that you know what qualifies, here’s how to actually *win* during Maryland tax free week 2025:

Sit down in late July and list everything your kids need. Shoes, socks, pants, notebooks, pens, backpacks, folders—everything. Knowing your list prevents impulse buys and keeps you focused. You’ll also catch gaps (like realizing your kid needs new gym clothes) before the week starts.

Retailers know tax-free week is coming. Many run additional sales that week. Check Target, Walmart, Kohl’s, Old Navy, and other major retailers’ websites in early August for their tax-free week promotions. Combine these sales with the tax savings for maximum impact.

Monday and Tuesday of tax-free week are golden. Stores are less crowded, inventory is full, and you have time to hit multiple locations if needed. By Friday, popular items are picked over and lines are brutal.

If you’re buying for multiple kids, consider splitting purchases across different days or stores. This helps you manage crowds and stay organized. It also gives you time to compare prices between retailers.

Everyone buys flashy backpacks and trendy clothes. But the real savings come from stocking up on basics: socks, underwear, plain t-shirts, and jeans. These items are tax-free, kids always need them, and you’ll use them all year. Buy extra.

Warning: Stores sometimes make mistakes at checkout—items ring up with tax when they shouldn’t. Check your receipt before leaving. If you spot an error, go back immediately and ask for a correction. Most stores will refund the tax without hassle.

How to Track Your Savings

Here’s a money move most people skip: actually tracking how much you saved. It’s not just about feeling good (though that helps)—it’s about understanding your spending patterns.

During Maryland tax free week 2025, keep receipts and note the tax that *would* have been charged. If you spend $500 on qualifying items, you saved approximately $30 in tax (at Maryland’s 6% rate). That’s real money.

Use a simple spreadsheet or even a notes app on your phone:

• Date
• Store
• Items purchased
• Total amount spent
• Tax saved (6% of the total)

At the end of the week, total it up. This number is helpful for your household budget and reminds you why planning these purchases matters. If you saved $100–$150 during tax-free week, that’s money you can redirect to other financial goals—building an emergency fund, paying down debt, or even saving for holiday shopping.

For deeper insights into managing your Maryland finances, check out our Ultimate Maryland Paycheck Calculator, which helps you understand your full financial picture beyond just tax-free week.

Other Maryland Tax Breaks You Should Know

Tax-free week is great, but Maryland has other tax advantages worth exploring:

Maryland offers tax credits for certain education expenses. If you’re paying for tutoring, test prep, or other qualified educational services, you might be eligible for credits when you file your state taxes. This is different from tax-free week—it’s a credit you claim on your return—but it’s another way Maryland helps families with school costs.

Maryland residents can contribute to 529 plans with some tax advantages. While not a direct tax break like tax-free week, setting aside money for college in a 529 grows tax-free and withdrawals for qualified education expenses aren’t taxed. Starting early makes a huge difference.

If you own a home in Maryland, you might qualify for homeowner property tax credits or exemptions. This is separate from sales tax, but it’s another area where Maryland offers relief.

For more on how Maryland’s tax system works overall, explore our state income tax resources to understand how different states structure their tax benefits.

One more thing: if you’re self-employed or a freelancer in Maryland, understanding your full tax picture is crucial. Tax-free week helps with personal expenses, but your business taxes are a different beast. Consider working with a professional—our guide on average cost of tax preparation by CPA breaks down what you might expect to pay for professional help, which often pays for itself through deductions and credits you’d miss otherwise.

Also, if you work across state lines or have income from multiple states, check out our DC paycheck guide for insights into multi-state tax situations. And for those comparing states, our Massachusetts excise tax guide shows how different states handle taxes differently—Maryland’s approach is actually pretty family-friendly.

Looking at other states’ tax-free weeks? Check out Tennessee’s tax-free weekend to see how other states structure similar programs. (Spoiler: Maryland’s is one of the more generous.)

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I buy items online during Maryland tax free week 2025 and get the tax break?

– Not always. Online purchases depend on whether the retailer has nexus in Maryland and how they handle tax-free week sales. Major retailers like Amazon, Target, and Walmart typically honor Maryland tax-free week for online orders shipped to Maryland addresses during the designated dates. However, smaller online retailers may not. Always check the retailer’s website or call customer service before ordering. When in doubt, buy in-store to guarantee the tax-free benefit.

What happens if I buy something that qualifies but the store accidentally charges tax?

– You have the right to a refund. Check your receipt immediately before leaving the store. If an item was supposed to be tax-free and wasn’t, ask a manager right away. Most stores will refund the tax without argument. If you don’t notice until later, you can return to the store with your receipt and request a refund. Keep receipts for a few weeks after tax-free week just in case.

Do I need to do anything special at checkout to get the tax-free benefit?

– No. As long as you’re buying qualifying items during the designated week (August 10–16, 2025), the tax should automatically not be charged at the register. The store’s system is programmed to recognize the tax-free period. You don’t need a coupon, special card, or to say anything. Just buy and pay.

Can I return items bought during tax-free week and get a refund including the tax savings?

– Yes, but it depends on the store’s return policy. Most retailers will refund the full amount you paid (without tax) if you return during their standard return window. However, if you return an item *after* tax-free week ends, some stores may process the refund differently. Always ask about the return policy at the time of purchase to avoid confusion.

Are groceries and food items tax-free during Maryland tax free week 2025?

– No. Groceries and food are generally not taxed in Maryland anyway (they’re exempt year-round). Tax-free week focuses on school supplies, clothing, and educational items. Prepared foods, restaurant meals, and beverages are always taxed.

What if I’m buying for a homeschooled child? Do the same rules apply?

– Yes. It doesn’t matter whether your child attends public school, private school, or is homeschooled. If the items qualify under Maryland tax-free week rules, they’re tax-free. Homeschooled students can buy the same supplies and clothing as traditionally schooled kids without paying tax.

Can I use coupons and store discounts during tax-free week?

– Absolutely. Tax-free week and store sales/coupons stack. If a shirt is on sale for 20% off *and* it’s tax-free, you get both benefits. This is where the real savings magic happens. Plan your shopping to combine tax-free week with store promotions and manufacturer coupons.

Is Maryland tax free week the same as other states’ tax-free weeks?

– No. Each state that offers a tax-free period sets its own dates, rules, and qualifying items. Maryland’s dates are different from Tennessee’s, for example. If you’re traveling during tax-free week or have family in other states, check their specific rules. Our TN tax free weekend guide breaks down how Tennessee’s works differently.

Do I need to report the tax savings on my Maryland state taxes?

– No. Tax-free week is a sales tax exemption, not a tax credit or deduction. You don’t report it on your tax return. It simply reduces your out-of-pocket spending during that week. The savings are immediate and final—no paperwork required.

What if my child’s school requires specific uniforms? Are they always tax-free during Maryland tax free week 2025?

– Yes. School uniforms are fully tax-free during tax-free week, regardless of price. This is one of the few exceptions to the $100 per-item clothing cap. If your school requires uniforms, buy them guilt-free during this period.