Comptroller Peter Franchot announced Shop Maryland Tax-Free Week is back just in time for back to school purchases. Beginning 12:01 a.m. on Sunday, August 12 through Midnight on Saturday, August 18 Marylanders making qualifying purchases will not have to pay the six percent state sales tax. Resulting from legislation passed in the 2007 special session of the Maryland General Assembly, this tax-free week will occur the second Sunday of August to the following Saturday each year, until the legislature decides to revisit the issue.

"Shop Maryland Tax-Free Week is always hugely successful throughout the state," said Comptroller Franchot. "Marylanders who buy qualifying products during the tax-free week will save money on items such as apparel and shoes, costing $100 or less, because they won't have to pay the additional six percent sales tax. Retailers also benefit thanks to an increase in sales."

During Shop Maryland Tax-Free Week, apparel and shoes priced at $100 or less will be eligible for the tax-free savings. Accessories such as ties, jewelry and handkerchiefs and protective items such as sports pads don't qualify for the sales tax.

"The Shop Maryland Tax-Free Week is a big hit with back to school shoppers, but you don't have to buy back to school items to participate," says the Comptroller.

A list of exempt and taxable items is available on the Comptroller's Website at www.marylandtaxes.com, e-mail the agency at [email protected], or by calling the Taxpayer Service Section at 410-260-7980 in Central Maryland or toll-free 1-800-MD TAXES from elsewhere.