Back-to-school season is here, shockingly fall is around the corner, and everyone’s getting ready for Purple Fridays. And, if you’re shopping for kids’ clothes, a new pair of shoes, or Ravens gear, Maryland’s annual tax-free week is a smart time to save.
From August 10th – 16th, qualifying purchases, like clothes, shoes, and backpacks under $100, won’t be charged Maryland’s 6% sales tax.
Here’s how growing families, students on a budget, and professionals can make the most of the MD tax-free holiday.
What is Maryland’s tax-free week?
Every August, Maryland offers a week-long tax break on select clothing and footwear items. During the MD tax-free holiday, you won’t pay the 6% sales tax when you buy these items.
- Clothing and shoes priced under $100
- Backpacks priced under $40
- The first $40 of backpacks over $40
Where to shop for tax-free savings
You’ll find tax-free deals at big-name retailers and local Maryland businesses.
- National chains: Target, Walmart, Kohl’s, Old Navy
- Local shops: Many small businesses across Maryland participate
- Online stores: Most retailers with a Maryland presence honor the tax-free holiday online. Just be sure to enter a Maryland shipping address.
Smart tips to save even more
Here’s how to shop smarter during Maryland’s tax-free week.
- Set a spending limit: Know what you need before you browse.
- Buy in the next size up: For kids, consider grabbing a size ahead while it’s tax-free.
- Use rewards wisely: This is a great time to redeem store points or use gift cards.
- Combine deals to save more: Look for back-to-school clothing sales that overlap with tax-free week for additional savings.
- Follow your favorite stores online: Many post last-minute tax-free week deals on Instagram or Facebook.
- Keep your receipts: Hold onto them for easier returns, exchanges, and school reimbursements.
Get kids involved in back-to-school shopping
Tax-free week is a perfect time for kids to practice money management skills.
- Write a list: Encourage them to create a list of what they need this fall. Bonus points if they plan ahead for winter and spring items.
- Set a budget: Before they hit the stores, make sure you’re aligned on a reasonable budget.
- Practice financial independence with Greenlight: Our kid-friendly debit card lets your teens safely make purchases on their own and use the Greenlight app to track spending.
Remember, parents can easily monitor their kids’ activity and help guide them with flexible controls and real-time spending notifications. It’s a win-win for families who want to raise financially smart kids.
Keep the savings going after tax-free week
If you plan to shop during Maryland’s tax-free week, use our Cash Back Visa® credit card to double your savings. Stretch your dollars further when you use it to buy clothes and shoes.
- Earn 1.5% cash back on every purchase
- No annual fee
- Use it seamlessly with your SECU mobile wallet
Apply now or learn more about how this card can boost your back-to-school budget.
