Save Money, Shop Maryland Tax-Free Week
BALTIMORE (WJZ) -- Attention shoppers. The Maryland Tax-Free Week kicks off Sunday.
Linh Bui explains how you can save.
Retailers call it "Christmas in August" because it's the second biggest shopping week of the whole year.
Little Madison needs new clothes.
"Shoes. She loves shoes. And bows," said Michelle Johnson, shopper.
Good timing for grandma. Shop Maryland Tax-Free Week starts Aug. 11. Clothing and shoes--priced $100 or less--will be exempt from the six percent sales tax.
"Everyone should go and shop for their back-to-school clothes. Because you can save $60, $70, $80 for a family that's got a few kids," said Peter Franchot, Maryland Comptroller.
Thursday at Towson Town Center, State Comptroller Peter Franchot joined elected officials and retail leaders to stress the importance of tax-free week.
"The last five years have been terrible for Maryland families," he said. "They've been hammered by this recession. Everything is going up. All the prices are going up. This is a well deserved break."
Many families need the relief and plan around this week.
"Having our little guy now and me not working, it's going to be a huge help," said Vanessa Mulhearn, shopper.
"These are times that, you know, it all adds up," said Michelle Johnson, shopper.
Stores usually add on their own sales. And tax-free week even attracts shoppers from Delaware and Pennsylvania.
Not only is tax-free week great for the shoppers who save money, but it's also a win for the businesses who see more customers.
Business usually goes up 25 to 40 percent at The Sport Shop.
"Kids love to wear Ravens stuff, especially on Fridays, to school. It's back-to-school time. So it's really, really good for our business," said Mike Durham, owner of The Sports Shop.
And the comptroller got into the spirit, buying a Manny Machado shirt after his interview.
Tax-free week ends Aug. 17.
The state will lose about $5 million in tax revenue, but the comptroller says it's worth it to help Maryland families and businesses.
For a full list of which items are taxable and which are exempt, click here.
