Look, I get it. You’re scrolling through your calendar in late July, and suddenly you see “Tax Free Week” pop up. Your first thought? “Is this actually real, or is this another retail trick to get me to spend money I don’t have?” Fair question. The truth is, Maryland Tax Free Week 2025 is absolutely real—and if you’re strategic about it, you can genuinely save hundreds of dollars on essentials you’d buy anyway. But there’s a catch: most people miss out because they don’t know the rules, the dates, or what actually qualifies. This guide breaks down everything you need to know to maximize your savings without getting burned.
Every year, Maryland offers a brief window where you can buy certain items without paying sales tax. It sounds simple, but the devil is in the details. What counts? What doesn’t? When exactly does it happen? And how do you actually use it to your advantage? By the end of this guide, you’ll know exactly how to work Maryland Tax Free Week 2025 into your budget—and potentially pocket some real money in the process.
What Is Maryland Tax Free Week 2025?
Maryland Tax Free Week 2025 is a state-sanctioned sales tax holiday that gives residents a brief window to purchase qualifying items without paying Maryland’s 6% sales tax (plus any local taxes). Think of it like a government-approved coupon, except instead of clipping paper, you just shop during specific dates and the discount applies automatically at checkout.
Here’s the reality: Maryland’s sales tax might not sound like much—6% seems small—but it compounds fast. On a $500 back-to-school haul, that’s $30 you keep in your pocket. On $1,000 in qualifying purchases, you’re looking at $60. For families buying supplies for multiple kids or stocking up on essentials, this adds up to real money.
The state created this program specifically to help families manage back-to-school expenses and other seasonal costs. It’s not a trick. It’s not a trap. It’s literally the government saying, “Hey, we’re waiving tax on certain items for one week.” Your job is to be prepared and intentional about how you use it.
Dates and Timing: Mark Your Calendar
For 2025, Maryland Tax Free Week runs from August 10–16, 2025. Yes, that’s a Sunday through Saturday. Write it down. Set a phone reminder. Tell your partner. This is a hard deadline, and once it’s over, you’re back to paying full tax.
Why August? Maryland aligns its tax-free week with back-to-school season, when families are buying clothes, shoes, supplies, and technology for kids heading back to school. The timing isn’t random—it’s designed to help with one of the biggest household spending periods of the year.
Pro tip: Don’t wait until August 16th at 11 p.m. to do your shopping. Stores get slammed during tax-free week, checkout lines are brutal, and popular items sell out. If you know what you need, start shopping on August 10th, ideally on a weekday morning when stores are less crowded. You’ll have a better experience and won’t miss out on stock.
What Actually Qualifies? The Complete List
This is where most people get confused. Not everything is tax-free during Maryland Tax Free Week 2025. The state has specific categories that qualify, and if you buy something that doesn’t fit, you’re paying tax anyway.
Items That ARE Tax-Free (August 10–16, 2025):
- Clothing and footwear – Shirts, pants, dresses, jackets, shoes, socks, hats, gloves, scarves, belts. Basically, anything you wear. Exception: accessories like jewelry, watches, and sunglasses are NOT included.
- School supplies – Notebooks, pencils, pens, erasers, folders, binders, backpacks, calculators, rulers, scissors, glue, tape. The list is long and covers most of what kids need for school.
- Computers and computer equipment – Laptops, desktops, tablets, keyboards, mice, monitors (under certain price limits). This is huge for families buying technology for school.
- School furniture – Desks, chairs, and other furniture specifically for school use.
Items That Are NOT Tax-Free:
- Food and groceries (with rare exceptions)
- Jewelry and watches
- Cosmetics and toiletries
- Sports equipment (with some exceptions for school-specific gear)
- Video games and gaming consoles
- Furniture for home use (only school furniture qualifies)
- Electronics like phones and headphones (unless they’re specifically school-related)
- Anything considered a “luxury” item
The rule of thumb: If it’s something a student needs for school, it probably qualifies. If it’s something you’d buy anyway that just happens to be on sale, it probably doesn’t.
Pro Tip: Keep your receipt. If you’re unsure whether something qualifies, ask the cashier before you buy. Maryland retailers are used to these questions during tax-free week, and they can tell you on the spot whether tax will apply.
Strategic Shopping: How to Maximize Your Savings
Knowing what qualifies is half the battle. The other half is actually planning your purchases so you maximize the tax savings. Here’s how to think like a pro:
1. Make a List Before August 10th
Don’t wing it. Sit down in July and write down everything you actually need for back-to-school season. Clothes for the kids? Check. New shoes? Check. Backpack and supplies? Check. A new laptop because the old one is dying? Check. Assign rough prices to each item. This gives you a target and prevents impulse buying.
2. Consolidate Your Shopping
Instead of spreading purchases across multiple stores over several months, try to buy everything during tax-free week. If you need $500 in clothes and supplies anyway, buying them August 10–16 saves you about $30 compared to buying them in September. It’s not about buying more; it’s about timing your existing purchases strategically.
3. Focus on Higher-Priced Items
The tax savings scale with the price. A $20 t-shirt saves you $1.20 in tax. A $200 laptop saves you $12. If you’re going to buy a computer for school anyway, doing it during tax-free week makes sense. Same with quality backpacks, winter coats, and shoes—buy the good stuff during this window.
4. Don’t Forget School Furniture
Many families overlook this category. If you’re buying a desk, chair, or shelving for a student’s room or dorm, doing it during tax-free week saves real money. A $300 desk saves you $18. A $500 furniture set saves you $30.
5. Check Store Policies
Some retailers run their own back-to-school sales during tax-free week, stacking discounts on top of the tax savings. Target, Walmart, and other big retailers often have additional sales running August 10–16. Stack the store discount + the tax savings and you’re looking at serious money off.
6. Online vs. In-Store
Maryland’s tax-free week applies to in-store purchases. Online orders shipped to Maryland addresses may or may not qualify, depending on the retailer’s policy. Check with major retailers before ordering online. When in doubt, buy in-store during the week to guarantee the tax savings.
Common Mistakes That Cost You Money
People leave money on the table every year because they make preventable mistakes during Maryland Tax Free Week 2025. Here’s what to avoid:
Mistake #1: Buying Things You Don’t Actually Need
The biggest trap. Just because something is tax-free doesn’t mean you should buy it. “Oh, tax-free week! I should get new jeans!” No. You should get new jeans if you need new jeans. The tax savings are a bonus, not a reason to overspend. Set your budget before August 10th and stick to it.
Mistake #2: Assuming Everything in the Store Qualifies
You walk into a store, see “Tax Free Week!” signs everywhere, and assume everything is covered. Nope. That $40 video game? Not tax-free. Those $60 sunglasses? Not tax-free. Read the labels. Ask the cashier. Don’t assume.
Mistake #3: Forgetting About Local Taxes
Maryland’s state sales tax is 6%, but some counties add local taxes on top. During tax-free week, you avoid the state tax, but local taxes might still apply (depending on the county and item). It’s still a savings, but not as much as you might expect. Check your specific county’s rules.
Mistake #4: Waiting Until the Last Day
August 16th is chaos. Stores are packed, shelves are picked over, checkout lines wrap around the building. Popular items—especially electronics and clothing in popular sizes—sell out. Shop early in the week when selection is good and the experience is actually pleasant.
Mistake #5: Not Comparing Prices First
Tax-free week doesn’t mean prices are the best. A $100 item at Store A with tax-free savings might still be more expensive than the same item at Store B with a 15% off sale. Do your homework. Compare prices before you shop, then buy where you get the best total deal.
Combine Tax Free Week With Your Paycheck Strategy
Here’s where this gets interesting. If you want to truly maximize your financial position, don’t just think about tax-free week in isolation. Think about how it fits into your overall paycheck and savings strategy.
Most Maryland residents don’t optimize their tax withholding. You might be overpaying federal taxes every month, meaning the IRS is holding onto your money interest-free. When you file next April, you get a refund—which feels good, but it’s actually your money that you lent to the government for free. Use our Ultimate Maryland Paycheck Calculator to see if you’re withholding correctly. If you’re overpaying, adjust your W-4 and increase your take-home pay right now. That extra money in your monthly paycheck can fund your tax-free week shopping without touching savings or going into debt.
Here’s the strategy: If you adjust your withholding to get an extra $100–$200 per month in take-home pay, you’ve just created a dedicated “tax-free week fund” without actually changing your budget. By August, you’ve got $600–$1,200 extra to spend on back-to-school essentials, and the tax savings on top of that is pure bonus.
This connects to a bigger principle: Smart Paycheck Savings – How Much Should You Really Keep is about understanding how much of your paycheck should actually go to taxes versus staying in your pocket. Most people don’t realize they have control over this. You do.
Think about it this way: If you’re getting a big refund every April, you’re essentially making an interest-free loan to the government every month. Instead, optimize your withholding, get more money in each paycheck, and use that to fund smart spending decisions like shopping during tax-free week. It’s a small shift, but it compounds into real money over time.
Frequently Asked Questions
When exactly is Maryland Tax Free Week 2025?
– Maryland Tax Free Week 2025 runs from August 10–16, 2025. That’s a Sunday through Saturday. The tax savings apply to qualifying purchases made during those dates only.
Do I need a special coupon or form to get the tax-free savings?
– No. You don’t need anything special. Just buy qualifying items during August 10–16, and the tax won’t be charged at checkout automatically. The cashier will process it correctly if the item qualifies. If you’re unsure about a specific item, ask before you buy.
What if I buy something online during tax-free week—do I get the savings?
– It depends on the retailer and their policy. Some online retailers will honor Maryland’s tax-free week for orders shipped to Maryland addresses. Others won’t. Check the retailer’s website or call customer service before ordering. When in doubt, buy in-store to guarantee the savings.
Does Maryland Tax Free Week apply to all clothing, or just school clothing?
– All clothing qualifies, not just school-specific items. You can buy adult clothes, kids’ clothes, work clothes, casual clothes—if it’s something you wear, it’s tax-free during the week. The exception is accessories like jewelry, watches, and sunglasses.
Are computers and tablets definitely covered?
– Yes, computers and tablets qualify, but there are some price limits and restrictions. Generally, items under a certain price point are covered. High-end gaming laptops or professional equipment might have different rules. Ask the retailer before you buy to confirm.
What about school supplies—is there a limit to how much I can buy tax-free?
– No. There’s no limit on the amount of school supplies you can buy tax-free during the week. Buy as much as you need (or want). The tax savings apply to all qualifying school supplies purchased during August 10–16.
If I return something after tax-free week, do I get the tax refunded?
– Typically, yes. If you buy something during tax-free week and return it after the week ends, most retailers will refund you the amount you paid (which didn’t include tax). But check the store’s return policy to be sure, as policies vary.
Do I pay tax on shipping costs during tax-free week?
– For in-store purchases, there’s no shipping cost, so this doesn’t apply. For online orders, it depends on the retailer’s policy and Maryland’s specific rules. Some retailers charge tax on shipping separately. Check before you order.
Can I use coupons or store discounts along with tax-free week savings?
– Absolutely. Tax-free week savings stack with store coupons and sales. If an item is on sale for 20% off AND it’s tax-free, you get both discounts. This is where you really maximize your savings.
What if a store charges me tax on a qualifying item during tax-free week?
– Speak up immediately. Tell the cashier the item should be tax-free during tax-free week. Most stores know about this and will correct it. If they refuse, ask for a manager. If it’s still not resolved, contact the Maryland Department of Revenue. But this is rare—most retailers are prepared for tax-free week.
Does Maryland Tax Free Week apply to used items or secondhand stores?
– Generally, no. Tax-free week applies to new items sold by retailers. Secondhand stores, thrift shops, and private sales don’t typically participate. But some larger secondhand retailers might honor it—ask before you buy.
Are school uniforms covered during tax-free week?
– Yes. School uniforms are clothing and qualify for tax-free savings during the week, just like any other clothing.
What’s the best strategy for maximizing my tax-free week savings?
– Make a list of what you actually need before August 10th. Focus on higher-priced items (computers, quality shoes, winter coats) where the tax savings are more significant. Shop early in the week when stores are less crowded and stock is better. Combine tax-free week shopping with any store sales or coupons running at the same time. And consider adjusting your paycheck withholding to have extra cash available for these strategic purchases.
Additional Resources: For more information on Maryland sales tax rules, visit the Maryland Department of Revenue. To understand how sales tax impacts your overall financial planning, check out Investopedia’s guide to sales tax. If you want to compare tax situations across states, see our guides on New Hampshire Sales Tax and Boston Sales Tax for context. And for a broader look at state income tax planning, explore our Oregon Income Tax Calculator to see how different states approach taxation.
