Maryland Tax Free Week 2025: Essential Guide to Smart Savings

If you’re a Maryland resident, you already know that back-to-school season hits your wallet hard. But here’s the good news: Maryland Tax Free Week 2025 is your chance to save real money on essentials without playing accounting games. We’re talking about a specific window when Maryland temporarily suspends sales tax on qualifying items—and if you’re strategic about it, you can pocket hundreds in savings.

The frustration is real. You’re budgeting for school supplies, clothes, and tech gear, and then sales tax sneaks in at checkout. Maryland’s tax-free week removes that sting temporarily. But most people don’t maximize this opportunity because they’re unclear on the rules, dates, and what actually qualifies.

Let’s cut through the confusion. This guide walks you through everything you need to know about Maryland Tax Free Week 2025, including exact dates, qualifying items, strategy tips, and how to avoid common mistakes that cost you savings.

What Is Maryland Tax Free Week?

Maryland Tax Free Week is an annual period when the state suspends its sales tax on specific items—primarily school supplies, clothing, and footwear. Think of it like a temporary coupon from the government. Instead of paying Maryland’s 6% sales tax (plus local taxes that can push it to 6.5% or higher depending on your county), you pay zero sales tax on qualifying purchases.

Here’s why this matters: Maryland’s sales tax is one of the highest in the nation. On a $100 purchase, you’re typically looking at $6–$6.50 in tax. During tax-free week, that same purchase costs you $100 flat. Over a week of back-to-school shopping, the savings compound fast.

The state created this program to ease the financial burden on families preparing for the school year. It’s not a rebate you claim later—it’s an instant discount at the register. No forms, no receipts to track, no waiting for a refund. You just shop during the designated week and pay less.

Pro Tip: Maryland Tax Free Week is specifically designed for back-to-school shopping, but savvy shoppers use it for any clothing or shoe purchases they’ve been postponing. If you need new work pants or everyday shoes, this week is the time to buy.

2025 Dates and Timeline

For 2025, Maryland Tax Free Week runs from August 3–9, 2025. Mark your calendar now. This is a hard deadline—once August 10 hits, sales tax kicks back in.

Here’s the timeline to plan around:

• July 2025: Start planning your shopping list and comparing prices online. Many retailers announce special promotions for tax-free week in early July.
• Late July: Watch for retailer announcements and coupon releases. Some stores stack additional discounts on top of the tax savings.
• August 1–2: Final price checks and budget confirmation. Don’t wait until the last day—stores get crowded, and popular items sell out.
• August 3–9: Your shopping window. This is when you make all tax-free purchases.
• August 10 onward: Sales tax returns to normal rates.

Pro move: If you know you need items after tax-free week ends, buy them during the week anyway. The tax savings often outweigh any minor price differences you might find later.

What Qualifies for Tax-Free Savings

Not everything you buy during Maryland Tax Free Week is tax-free. The state has specific categories. Understanding these prevents you from getting surprised at checkout.

• Shirts, pants, dresses, skirts, jackets, coats
• Underwear, socks, hosiery
• Shoes, sneakers, boots, sandals (any footwear for wearing)
• Hats, gloves, scarves, belts (worn apparel)
• School uniforms
• Athletic wear and workout clothes

• Notebooks, pens, pencils, markers
• Folders, binders, dividers
• Paper (printer paper, construction paper, notepads)
• Tape, glue, scissors, staples
• Backpacks (if under $100)
• Lunch boxes
• Calculators (if under $100)

Here’s where people trip up: items priced over $100 are NOT tax-free, even if they’re normally qualifying items. A $150 backpack? Tax applies. A $120 pair of athletic shoes? Tax applies. But a $99 backpack? Tax-free. This rule exists to prevent people from buying expensive items tax-free.

The price threshold applies per item, not per transaction. So you can buy multiple items under $100 each, tax-free, in one shopping trip.

Warning: Some retailers intentionally price items just over $100 to avoid tax-free week discounts. If you see a backpack priced at $100.99, ask if they have a similar style under $100. Many do.

Just as important as knowing what qualifies is knowing what doesn’t. Retailers often try to ring up non-qualifying items during tax-free week, banking on customers not noticing. Stay alert.

What Doesn’t Qualify (Don’t Get Caught)

The following items are NOT tax-free during Maryland Tax Free Week, even though you might assume they are:

• Electronics: Laptops, tablets, phones, smartwatches (even if used for school)
• School Technology: Calculators over $100, computer mice, keyboards, headphones
• Furniture: Desks, chairs, bookshelves (even for a dorm room)
• Sports Equipment: Bicycles, skateboards, roller skates, sports balls, tennis rackets
• Accessories: Jewelry, watches, sunglasses, handbags (these are considered accessories, not clothing)
• Costumes: Halloween costumes or theatrical costumes (not considered everyday clothing)
• Protective Gear: Helmets, goggles, protective pads
• Cleaning and Hygiene: Soap, shampoo, deodorant, toothpaste (not clothing-related)
• Food and Beverages: Anything edible or drinkable, including school lunches

The logic: Maryland’s tax-free week targets items needed for school attendance and basic clothing. Luxuries, electronics, and non-wearables don’t qualify, even if they’re useful for students.

Here’s a common mistake: people assume a backpack is always tax-free because it’s for school. But if the backpack is marketed as a “handbag” or fashion accessory rather than a school supply, it might be taxed. Retailers sometimes categorize items differently based on how they’re labeled. When buying, confirm the item is tagged as a “school backpack” or “supply backpack,” not a “fashion handbag.”

Smart Shopping Strategy to Maximize Savings

Now that you know the rules, let’s talk strategy. The difference between casual shopping and strategic shopping during tax-free week can be $200–$500 in savings.

Don’t wing it. In late July, sit down and list everything you need:

• Clothing items your kids have outgrown
• School supplies (be specific: how many pens, notebooks, etc.)
• Shoes and socks
• Underwear and basics
• Seasonal items (winter coats, if you’re thinking ahead)

Assign estimated prices to each item. This prevents impulse buying and keeps you on budget.

Visit stores in late July and check prices online. Use tools like Google Shopping to compare prices across retailers. Some stores offer lower prices during tax-free week; others don’t discount but you save tax. Know which stores have the best baseline prices so you’re not just chasing the tax savings on overpriced items.

Many retailers offer additional promotions during tax-free week. Target, Walmart, and other major chains often run “back-to-school” sales that overlap with tax-free week. You might get 20% off clothing PLUS no sales tax. That’s a double win.

• Check store websites and sign up for email alerts in July
• Look for manufacturer coupons (especially for school supplies)
• Use loyalty programs for additional discounts
• Check if your credit card offers cash back on back-to-school purchases

August 3–5 is ideal. By August 8–9, popular items are picked over, and stores get crowded. You’ll waste time searching for sizes and styles. Early-week shopping gives you better selection and a faster checkout experience.

This is the secret move. You don’t have to limit yourself to school items. Any qualifying clothing or shoes you’ve been meaning to buy should be purchased this week. New work pants? Tax-free. Replacement shoes? Tax-free. Winter coat for next season? Tax-free (and you’re thinking ahead).

Pro Tip: If you have kids who grow quickly, buy clothes slightly larger during tax-free week. You’re saving 6–6.5% on items they’ll wear in a few months anyway. It’s like getting a 6% discount on future clothing purchases.

You don’t need to claim tax-free week purchases on your taxes—the savings happen at the register. But keep receipts for 30 days in case you need to return items. Retailers occasionally make mistakes and charge tax on qualifying items; receipts let you dispute the charge.

How Maryland Compares to Other States

Maryland isn’t alone in offering tax-free weeks. Over 20 states have similar programs, but they vary wildly in dates, qualifying items, and tax rates.

If you’re comparing states, Tennessee Tax Free Weekend 2025 is similar but runs on different dates (usually early August) and has slightly different qualifying items. Tennessee’s base sales tax is 9.55%, higher than Maryland’s 6%, so the savings are larger per purchase. However, Maryland’s tax-free week is longer (a full week vs. a weekend).

• Full week of tax-free shopping (not just a weekend)
• Covers both clothing and school supplies
• Lower baseline sales tax than many states (6% vs. 8–9% elsewhere)
• Clear, well-publicized rules (fewer surprises)

• Strict $100 per-item cap on school supplies
• No tax-free electronics (unlike some states)
• Limited to August (some states offer multiple tax-free periods)

If you live near a state border, it’s not worth driving across state lines for tax-free week. The gas costs and time spent don’t justify the savings. Shop in Maryland during Maryland Tax Free Week.

Beyond Tax-Free Week: Other Maryland Tax Credits

Maryland Tax Free Week is great for immediate savings, but the state offers additional tax breaks throughout the year that you should know about.

If you own a home in Maryland, the Homestead Tax Credit Maryland could save you hundreds annually on property taxes. This is separate from tax-free week but equally valuable for Maryland residents. Eligibility is based on income and property value.

Maryland offers credits for higher education expenses, including:

• Credits for contributions to education savings accounts (529 plans)
• Deductions for student loan interest (up to $2,500 federally, per IRS.gov)
• Tax-free growth in 529 plans for qualified education expenses

If you pay for before-school or after-school care while you work, you may qualify for a credit. This isn’t as direct as tax-free week, but it reduces your tax liability.

These credits and deductions reduce your overall tax burden, which can increase your take-home pay. If you’re eligible for the homestead credit or education credits, you might adjust your tax withholding to get more money in each paycheck rather than waiting for a refund. Learn more about optimizing your paycheck with our guide on Smart Savings: How Much of Your Paycheck Should You Stash.

The key insight: tax-free week is one tool in your Maryland tax-saving toolkit. Combined with other credits and smart budgeting, you can significantly reduce your annual tax burden.

Frequently Asked Questions

When exactly does Maryland Tax Free Week 2025 start and end?

– Maryland Tax Free Week 2025 runs from August 3–9, 2025. Sales tax resumes on August 10. If you shop on August 9, you’re still within the tax-free period. If you shop on August 10, you pay tax.

Can I buy electronics during Maryland Tax Free Week without paying sales tax?

– No. Electronics, including laptops, tablets, phones, and headphones, are not covered by Maryland Tax Free Week. Only clothing, footwear, and school supplies under $100 per item qualify. This is a common misconception that costs people money at checkout.

What if a store charges me tax on a qualifying item during tax-free week?

– Keep your receipt and return to the store within 30 days. Ask to speak with a manager and show them the receipt and the item. Stores are required to honor tax-free week rules. If they refuse, contact Maryland’s Department of Revenue. Most mistakes are corrected immediately.

Do online purchases qualify for Maryland Tax Free Week?

– Yes, if the retailer is registered to collect Maryland sales tax. Major retailers like Amazon, Target, and Walmart apply tax-free week rules to online purchases during the designated week. However, some smaller online retailers may not be registered in Maryland, so verify before checkout. Look for Maryland sales tax in the tax line—if it shows $0, you’re good.

Can I buy clothes for my spouse or partner during tax-free week?

– Yes. Tax-free week isn’t limited to children’s clothing. Any person can buy qualifying clothing and footwear tax-free. Buy for yourself, your kids, your spouse, grandkids—anyone. The rule is about the item (clothing/footwear), not the wearer.

Does the $100 per-item limit apply to clothing or just school supplies?

– The $100 limit applies only to school supplies. Clothing and footwear have no price cap. A $500 winter coat is still tax-free. A $150 backpack is not tax-free (because backpacks are classified as school supplies, which have the $100 cap).

What if I buy an item for $99.99—does it qualify?

– Yes. The rule is items priced under $100 or exactly $100. If the price is $99.99, it qualifies. If it’s $100.01, it doesn’t. Some retailers price items strategically just over $100 to avoid the tax-free benefit. Always ask if a similar item is available under $100.

Can I use coupons in addition to tax-free week savings?

– Yes. Manufacturer coupons and store coupons stack with tax-free week. You get the coupon discount plus no sales tax. This is the best-case scenario for maximizing savings. Just make sure the coupon is valid during tax-free week (some coupons exclude certain promotional periods).

If I buy something during tax-free week and return it after August 9, do I owe tax?

– No. The tax status is determined by the purchase date, not the return date. If you bought it tax-free on August 5 and return it on August 15, you still get the refund without tax. The store processes the return based on the original purchase date.

Does Maryland Tax Free Week apply to used clothing or thrift store purchases?

– This depends on the retailer. If a thrift store is registered as a retail business in Maryland, they should apply tax-free week rules. However, some thrift stores and consignment shops operate differently. Call ahead to confirm. Generally, if they charge sales tax normally, they participate in tax-free week.

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

– Average savings depend on spending. If you spend $500 on qualifying items, you save $30–$32.50 (6–6.5% tax). If you spend $1,000, you save $60–$65. Families with multiple children often spend $1,000–$2,000 during tax-free week, resulting in $60–$130 in savings. It’s not life-changing, but it’s real money—and it’s free.