Maryland Tax Free Week 2025: Essential Guide for Smart Savings

Let’s be real—tax-free shopping weeks feel like a gift from the government, and honestly? They kind of are. If you live in Maryland or you’re planning to shop there, Maryland Tax Free Week 2025 is your chance to save real money on back-to-school supplies, clothing, and other essentials without paying sales tax. We’re talking about actual dollars staying in your wallet instead of going to the state. But here’s the thing: most people don’t maximize these savings because they don’t know the rules, dates, or what actually qualifies. That’s where this guide comes in.

Maryland’s tax-free week is one of the most generous in the nation, and if you plan strategically, you can stretch your budget further than you thought possible. Whether you’re a parent stocking up for school, a student getting ready for college, or just someone who loves a good deal, understanding Maryland Tax Free Week 2025 can put hundreds of dollars back in your pocket.

What Is Maryland Tax Free Week 2025?

Maryland Tax Free Week is an annual event when the state temporarily suspends its sales tax on specific items, primarily school supplies and clothing. Think of it like a promotional period where Maryland says, “Hey, we’re not charging you sales tax on these things for one week.” Maryland’s regular sales tax is 6%, which doesn’t sound like much until you’re buying $500 worth of school clothes and supplies—suddenly you’re saving $30 just by shopping during the right week.

This isn’t a secret program or something you have to apply for. It’s automatic. If you buy qualifying items during the designated week, the tax simply doesn’t apply at checkout. No coupon codes, no special registration, no hoops to jump through. The retailer handles it on their end.

According to the Maryland Department of Assessments and Taxation, the program was designed to help families manage the financial pressure of back-to-school season and make essential purchases more affordable. It’s been running for years and has saved Maryland families millions in sales taxes.

The beauty of this program is that it’s straightforward. Unlike some state tax breaks that require you to file paperwork or meet income thresholds, Maryland Tax Free Week is available to everyone—no income limits, no restrictions based on where you live (though you do need to purchase in Maryland or from a Maryland retailer).

Dates and Timing for 2025

Here’s where details matter. For Maryland Tax Free Week 2025, mark your calendar: the event typically runs for one week in August, though the exact dates can vary slightly year to year. Based on recent patterns, expect the tax-free week to fall in mid-August 2025—but don’t guess. Check the official Maryland Tax Free Week 2025 announcement or the Maryland Department of Assessments and Taxation website as we get closer to confirm the exact dates.

Why is timing so critical? Because the tax exemption applies only during that specific week. Shop a day before or a day after, and you’re paying full tax. This isn’t flexible.

Here’s a pro tip: many retailers start advertising their tax-free week promotions weeks in advance. That’s your signal to start planning. Some stores layer additional discounts on top of the tax savings—meaning you could get 20% off AND no sales tax. That’s when the real savings happen.

Pro Tip: Set a phone reminder for the week before Maryland Tax Free Week starts. Use that week to scout sales, compare prices at different retailers, and make a shopping list. By the time tax-free week arrives, you’ll know exactly what to buy and where to buy it.

What Actually Qualifies for Tax-Free Savings

This is where people get confused, and confusion costs money. Not everything is tax-free during Maryland Tax Free Week. The state has a specific list of qualifying items, and it’s narrower than you might think.

• Clothing and accessories (shirts, pants, shoes, coats, hats, belts, scarves, gloves)
• School supplies (pens, pencils, notebooks, folders, binders, paper, scissors, rulers)
• Backpacks and school bags
• Lunch boxes
• Calculators
• Computers and computer peripherals (keyboards, mice, monitors—this is a big one for students)
• Printers and printer supplies
• Art supplies for school use

• Jewelry (even if worn as an accessory)
• Cosmetics and personal care items (deodorant, shampoo, toothpaste)
• Food and beverages
• Furniture (desks, chairs, shelves)
• Textbooks (usually—check the current year’s rules)
• Electronics like tablets or smartphones (unless they’re specifically categorized as school computers)
• Clothing with sports team logos or designer labels above a certain price point (some states have price caps)

The key distinction is “school-related.” If an item is primarily used for school or educational purposes, it likely qualifies. If it’s for personal use or general purposes, it probably doesn’t.

Here’s where it gets tricky: Maryland has price thresholds on some items. For example, a single article of clothing must cost less than $100 to qualify (as of recent years, though this can change). A pair of shoes under $100? Tax-free. Designer sneakers at $150? You’re paying tax on them. This is why reading the fine print matters.

For the most current and detailed list of qualifying items, check the Maryland Department of Assessments and Taxation official guidelines or call their helpline. Retailers should also have this information posted in-store and on their websites during tax-free week.

Smart Shopping Strategy to Maximize Savings

Knowing what qualifies is step one. Knowing how to shop strategically is step two—and it’s where you actually make money.

Don’t walk into stores during tax-free week without a list. You’ll overspend on things you don’t need. Instead, audit what your family actually needs. Does your kid need new jeans? New shoes? Backpack? Laptop? Write it down with estimated costs. This becomes your shopping blueprint.

Visit retailers’ websites and check prices before tax-free week. Some stores raise prices right before tax-free week to offset the lost tax revenue (it happens—retailers aren’t charities). If you spot a good price now, note it. If the price is the same during tax-free week, great. If it’s higher, you know to avoid that store.

This is the secret sauce. Many retailers run back-to-school sales during tax-free week specifically because they know customers are coming. A store might advertise “Buy One Get One 50% Off” on clothing during tax-free week. That discount stacks on top of the tax savings. If you buy $200 in qualifying clothes with a BOGO 50% off deal, you’re getting $100 off the price AND saving $6 in taxes (6% of the discounted total). That’s $106 in total savings.

If you have a rewards credit card or access to cashback apps, use them during tax-free week. Some cards offer bonus cashback on back-to-school purchases in August. You’re now saving on three fronts: the purchase price (if there’s a sale), the tax (tax-free week), and cashback rewards. That’s maximizing every angle.

Tax-free week is an opportunity to buy items your kids will need later in the school year. Socks, underwear, basic t-shirts—these don’t go on sale often, but during tax-free week, the tax savings make them effectively discounted. Stock up on basics that never go out of style.

Money-Saving Hack: If you have multiple kids or younger siblings, pool your shopping lists. Buying in bulk during tax-free week for multiple people amplifies your tax savings. A family of four buying $150 each in qualifying items saves $36 in taxes combined. That’s a nice lunch out or gas money.

Online vs. In-Store: Where to Shop

Here’s a question that trips people up: does Maryland Tax Free Week apply to online purchases?

The answer depends on the retailer and where they’re located. If you’re buying from a Maryland-based retailer or a retailer with a physical presence in Maryland, the tax-free week exemption typically applies to online orders placed during the week. However, if you’re buying from an out-of-state retailer that has no Maryland nexus (physical location or significant sales in Maryland), they may not apply the exemption because they don’t collect Maryland sales tax in the first place.

Here’s the practical approach: when shopping online during Maryland Tax Free Week 2025, check the retailer’s website for tax-free week details. Major chains like Target, Walmart, Best Buy, and Dick’s Sporting Goods will have information about which states’ tax-free weeks they honor. Most will honor Maryland’s week if they have stores here.

For in-store shopping, it’s straightforward. You walk in, buy qualifying items, and the cashier doesn’t charge tax. No complications.

One advantage of in-store shopping during tax-free week: you can physically inspect items before buying. You see the fit, the quality, the color in natural light. With online shopping, you’re gambling on fit and color accuracy. If you have to return items, that defeats the tax savings you got.

The hybrid approach? Browse online to research and compare prices. Shop in-store during tax-free week for clothing and items where fit matters. Order online for bulk items like pencils, paper, and supplies where there’s no fit concern and you know exactly what you’re getting.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

People leave money on the table during tax-free week because they make preventable mistakes. Here’s what to watch out for:

Some items have price thresholds. If you buy a $120 coat thinking it’s tax-free because coats are on the list, you’re wrong—if the cap is $100, you’re paying tax on that coat. Read the rules before you buy.

School stores and back-to-school sections have mixed items. Sticky notes? Tax-free. Desk lamp? Might not be. Don’t assume. Ask the cashier or check the receipt after purchase. If something was taxed that shouldn’t have been, many stores will refund the tax if you ask within a reasonable timeframe.

The last day of tax-free week, stores are mobbed. Lines are long, shelves are picked over, and your patience is tested. Shop early in the week when crowds are smaller and selection is full. You’ll have better choices and a less stressful experience.

If you’re buying for multiple kids or over multiple store visits, keep your receipts. You want to know how much you saved in taxes. More importantly, if there’s a dispute about whether something qualified, your receipt is proof. Some people like to add up their tax savings at the end of the week—it feels good, and it reinforces that the effort was worth it.

Here’s a meta-point: while you’re saving on sales tax during tax-free week, remember that your paycheck is still subject to federal and state income tax withholding. If you’re looking to maximize your take-home pay year-round, consider using the Ultimate Maryland Paycheck Calculator to ensure your withholding is optimized. You might be able to adjust your W-4 to get more money in your paycheck each week, which you can then use for tax-free week shopping.

Beyond Tax-Free Week: Year-Round Tax Savings

Tax-free week is great, but it’s just one week. If you want to think like someone who really minimizes taxes, you need a year-round strategy.

Maryland residents can open a 529 College Savings Plan, which allows you to save money for education expenses tax-free. Contributions aren’t federally tax-deductible, but the growth is tax-free, and withdrawals for qualified education expenses aren’t taxed. Over 18 years, that compounds into serious money. It’s not directly related to tax-free week, but it’s the bigger picture of education savings.

You can also use a Coverdell Education Savings Account (ESA), which offers similar benefits with some different rules. According to Investopedia’s guide to Coverdell ESAs, these accounts allow you to save up to $2,000 per year per child for K-12 and college expenses, with tax-free growth.

Here’s something many people don’t realize: if you itemize deductions on your federal tax return, you can deduct either state income taxes or state sales taxes (not both). For some people, especially those in states with high sales taxes like Maryland, deducting sales taxes might be more beneficial. Keep receipts from large purchases, including those during tax-free week, to document your sales tax deductions. The IRS provides a sales tax deduction calculator to help you estimate this.

Some employers offer education assistance programs where they contribute money toward employee or employee-dependent education. Check with your HR department. These contributions are often tax-free up to certain limits. It’s free money for education that you should be taking advantage of.

Instead of scrambling for money during tax-free week, budget for back-to-school expenses throughout the year. Set aside $50-100 per month during the school year so that when tax-free week arrives, you have cash ready to spend. This removes the stress and ensures you can actually take advantage of the savings opportunity.

Frequently Asked Questions

When exactly is Maryland Tax Free Week 2025?

– Maryland Tax Free Week 2025 typically occurs in mid-August, but the exact dates vary year to year. Check the Maryland Tax Free Week 2025 official page or the Maryland Department of Assessments and Taxation website for the confirmed 2025 dates as we get closer to the event.

Do I have to live in Maryland to take advantage of Maryland Tax Free Week?

– No. If you’re visiting Maryland during tax-free week or buying from a Maryland retailer, you can use the exemption. However, out-of-state online retailers may not honor it unless they have a Maryland presence.

Can I return items bought during tax-free week and get the tax savings back?

– If you return an item, you’re refunded the purchase price you paid (which didn’t include tax). You don’t get additional refund for the tax you didn’t pay. The tax savings is built into the price you paid.

Are there price limits on clothing during Maryland Tax Free Week?

– Yes. Individual clothing items must generally be under $100 to qualify. Designer items or expensive pieces above this threshold are taxed. Always check the current year’s rules, as thresholds can change.

Does Maryland Tax Free Week apply to back-to-school supplies bought for home use?

– If the supplies are used for school (even if purchased for home use), they qualify. A pack of pencils for your kid’s schoolwork? Tax-free. A pack of pencils for your home office? It depends on the interpretation, but generally, school-related supplies for students qualify.

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

– Absolutely. Tax-free week discounts stack with manufacturer coupons, store coupons, sales, and cashback rewards. This is how you maximize savings.

What if the cashier charges me tax on a qualifying item?

– Ask them to remove it. If they can’t or won’t, get a manager. If the issue isn’t resolved, keep your receipt and contact the retailer’s customer service afterward. You’re entitled to a refund of incorrectly charged tax.

Can I buy items for next school year during this year’s tax-free week?

– Yes. There’s no rule against buying items in advance. If your kid will need a winter coat next year and you find a good one during tax-free week, buy it. You’re getting the tax savings now, and you’re set for later.

Does Maryland Tax Free Week apply to computers and tablets?

– Computers and computer peripherals used for school typically qualify. Tablets depend on how they’re classified and used. Smartphones generally don’t qualify. Check with the retailer to confirm before purchase.

How much can I actually save during Maryland Tax Free Week?

– It depends on how much you spend. Maryland’s sales tax is 6%. If you spend $500 on qualifying items, you save $30. If you spend $1,000, you save $60. The more strategic your shopping, the more you save.