Maryland Tax-Free Week 2026 will give families another chance to reduce back-to-school expenses. The annual event begins on August 9. Shoppers can also enter a new $1,000 video contest, as noted by the Baltimore Chronicle.
When Maryland Tax-Free Week 2026 begins
Shop Maryland Tax-Free Week runs from Sunday, August 9, through Saturday, August 15. During this period, eligible clothing and footwear avoid Maryland’s 6% sales tax.
Each qualifying item must cost $100 or less. The limit applies to individual products, not the shopper’s complete purchase.
The event arrives as families prepare for school and review increasingly tight household budgets.
Which purchases qualify for tax exemption
The exemption covers many common back-to-school purchases. However, shoppers should check each item’s price before paying.
Qualifying purchases include:
- clothing priced at $100 or less;
- footwear priced at $100 or less;
- the first $40 of a backpack’s price.
A backpack costing more than $40 can still receive partial tax relief. Only the first $40 becomes exempt from sales tax. The remaining amount is taxed under normal Maryland rules.
How much shoppers can save
The savings depend on the number and price of eligible items. Maryland normally charges a 6% state sales tax.
| Purchase | Regular tax | Tax-Free Week saving |
|---|---|---|
| $50 shoes | $3 | $3 |
| $100 jacket | $6 | $6 |
| $40 backpack allowance | $2.40 | $2.40 |
Several purchases can produce noticeable savings for families. However, the exemption does not automatically make every promotion worthwhile. Shoppers should compare prices between stores before buying.
How to enter the $1,000 contest
The Maryland Comptroller’s Office partnered with the Maryland Retailers Alliance for the promotion. Participants must record a short video inside a physical Maryland store.
The video should explain a useful money-saving tip for Tax-Free Week. Entries can be submitted from July 15 through August 1.
The winner will receive $1,000. Officials plan to announce the result on August 8, one day before the tax-free period begins.
What shoppers should check before August 9
Families can prepare by creating a shopping list and checking current store prices. They should also confirm that each product meets the $100 limit.
Discounts, coupons and tax relief can work together, but store policies may differ.
Keeping receipts can help with returns or pricing disputes. Shoppers should also review official eligibility rules before making expensive purchases.
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