Surprises are great, but usually not at checkout. There’s nothing worse than excitedly shopping a great deal just to get to the counter and realize you’ve been doing the math in your head all wrong. We’ve rounded up some items we’ll be snagging this week and also explain some commonly confusing bits.
HERE’S WHAT YOU NEED TO KNOW
From midnight Sunday, August 8th to midnight Saturday, August 14th, qualifying clothing and shoes priced $100 or less will be exempt from Maryland’s six percent sales tax. There’s so much included and we have the whole list here, so you’ll easily be able to snag deals on things for the entire family.
SOME THINGS TO CONSIDER AND KEEP AN EYE OUT FOR THIS WEEK
Backpacks (up to $40), baby clothing, baby diapers, bathing suits, bras, children’s costumes, coats and jackets, golf clothing, hats, hiking boots, sleepwear, ski clothing, sneakers, socks, prom dresses, jerseys, jeans, sports uniforms, school uniforms, and scout uniforms.
WHAT HAPPENS IF THE ITEM IS OVER $100?
That depends. The tax exemption applies to every single item that qualifies, regardless of how much you’re purchasing at one time. If the item fits the criteria to be eligible for exemption but exceeds the $100 price maximum, you’ll pay tax on the entire item. So if you’re buying a sweater for $105, you’ll pay tax on the entire $105. However, backpacks are calculated differently here. All backpacks are eligible, but there’s a $40 maximum. Let’s say you’re purchasing a backpack for $45 dollars. You’ll pay 6% sales tax on $5.
RETURNED ITEMS AND DISCOUNTS
Hold on to your receipts for this month! For 30 days after the sales tax holiday, you’ll have to provide a receipt showing you were charged and paid tax on your return, if that’s the case. Otherwise, retailers will refund or credit you sans that 6%. If a retailer offers discounts to reduce the price of an eligible item to $100 or less, the item will qualify for the exemption. So, it still pays to be hunting for deals!
