Just in
time for back-to-school shopping, Comptroller Peter Franchot recently announced
that his office is gearing up for Shop Maryland, the state’s tax-free week.
Beginning

 Sunday,
Aug. 11, consumers who purchase clothing and shoes priced $100 or less will be
spared the states 6 percent sales tax for one week, ending Saturday, Aug. 17.

 “This
initiative helps consumers and gives retailers a boost in these financially
unstable times,” Franchot said. “All Maryland families have been impacted by
the national recession and they deserve this annual tax break as they prepare
to send their kids back to school.”

 Resulting
from legislation passed in the 2007 special session of the Maryland General
Assembly, a tax-free week will occur every year during the second week in
August, until the legislature decides to revisit the issue. During this period,
each qualifying article of clothing or footwear selling for $100 or less is
exempt from sales tax, regardless of how many items are purchased at the same
time.

 Businesses
selling items that are not eligible for inclusion in the tax-free week can
still participate in Shop Maryland. Under “Sellers Privilege,” other
unqualified merchandise can be sold tax-free but the retailer is responsible
for paying the sales tax owed to the state.

“During the
back-to-school shopping season, tax-free week provides Maryland consumers with
both an opportunity to shop at their local stores and to save 6 percent on
clothing and shoes under $100 per item,” said Patrick Donoho, president of the
Maryland Retailers Association.
For more information on qualifying items, visit the Comptroller of Maryland’s
Web site at  www.marylandtaxes-.com, e-mail  eshopmaryland
@comp.state.md.us or call 410-260-7980 in central Maryland or toll-free at
1-800-MD-TAXES.