Maryland Tax Free Weekend 2026

Sunday, August 9 – Saturday, August 15, 2026   CONFIRMED

Confirmed 2026 Schedule

Start date Sunday, August 9, 2026
End date Saturday, August 15, 2026
Status Confirmed
Exempt items clothing & footwear
Price cap Up to $100 per item

Visit Official Maryland State Site →

About the Maryland Sales Tax Holiday

Maryland offers a full "Tax-Free Week" starting the second Sunday of August, specifically targeting apparel.

What Items Qualify in Maryland?

Clothing & Footwear

  • Price: $100 or less per item.

Backpacks

  • The first $40 of a backpack purchase is tax-free.

How the Tax Holiday Works

During the Maryland sales tax holiday, eligible items are sold without state sales tax collected at the register. You do not need to present a coupon, request an exemption, or take any special action — the discount applies automatically to qualifying purchases made in-store or online from retailers registered to collect Maryland sales tax.

The 2026 holiday runs from Sunday, August 9 through Saturday, August 15. Purchases made before or after those dates are not eligible, even if you placed an order earlier. For online orders, the shipping date — or in some states the order placement date — determines eligibility. Check the Maryland Department of Revenue's official guidance for online purchase rules.

CPA Tip: This is a 7-day event, so wait for the mid-week inventory restock at major retailers.

Shopping Tips for the Maryland Tax-Free Weekend

  • Check retailer participation: Most stores honor the holiday automatically, but call ahead for smaller local retailers.
  • Price items individually: Bundles may not qualify if the bundle price exceeds the per-item limit.
  • Online shopping counts: Most major online retailers apply the exemption for Maryland customers during the holiday window.
  • Watch the clock: The holiday ends at midnight on Saturday, August 15 — make sure orders are confirmed before then.
  • Rain checks: Some stores issue rain checks for items out of stock during the holiday, which may allow you to pay the tax-free price later.

Frequently Asked Questions

Does this include accessories?

No. Accessories, except for backpacks, are generally taxable.

Reviewed by: Andrew R. Pennington, CPA — Licensed Certified Public Accountant, Hot Springs, Arkansas. All Maryland dates and qualifying item lists are verified against current official state legislation.
Last verified: May 15, 2026

FreeTaxWeekend.com provides educational information only and does not constitute tax or legal advice. Always verify dates and eligible items with your state’s official Department of Revenue before making purchasing decisions.

Privacy Policy | Terms of Service | Contact | About

Privacy Policy | Terms of Service | Contact | About