Marylanders Still Have A Few Days To Enjoy Tax-Free Shopping
BALTIMORE (WJZ) -- Marylanders looking to make the most of their back-to-school dollars are shopping this week to take advantage of the state's sales tax holiday.
Pat Warren reports on what does and does not qualify.
It's back-to-school shopping for grades K through college!
"Students are coming back to school. There's a few things they should be mindful of when they're living in a residence hall. One, they need to save space," said Amanda Merson, Stevenson University's resident director.
Two, they need to save money.
"That's been hard," said Eva and Luke Archey. "It's easy with no taxes."
"Families can save $60, $70 dollars on sales tax that they don't have to pay on back-to-school clothes and back-to-school shoes," said State Comptroller Peter Franchot.
Families are trying to take full advantage.
"Whole bunch of stuff for my daughter," said Erica Herndon.
"They start in a couple weeks, so just trying to get the shopping in and take advantage of the tax-free," said Lisa Shafer.
"I want to go to Forever 21 and get some new shirts and stuff for school, every day things," said Karen and Emily Amell.
From boutiques to box stores, retailers are selling clothing items and shoes priced at $100 or less without adding the state's six percent sales tax.
"I have three kids getting ready to go back to Baltimore City public schools, and we came in on Sunday to take advantage of the sales tax abatement," said Baltimore City Councilman William Cole.
Other necessities are not included in the holiday, but stores like Wal-Mart are having sales on school supplies.
"We have more than 250 items for less than a dollar and we really paid attention to those items that top teacher school lists every single year," said Wal-Mart retail expert Molly Philours.
Another advantage to the tax holiday is to get that shopping over early.
Aug. 17 is the last day of the tax-free holiday week.
