Comptroller Peter Franchot joined with the Maryland Retailers Association last week to announce a new contest coinciding with Shop Maryland Tax-Free Week that will see two winners receive $1,500 and $500 scholarships, respectively, to any Maryland university, college or trade school.
Leading up to and during the annual Shop Maryland Tax-Free Week, which takes place August 13 to 19, shoppers should like or follow the official social media pages on Facebook (Shop Maryland Tax Free), Twitter (@shopmdtaxfree) and Instagram (@shopmdtaxfree).
Then during the tax-free week, take a picture, write a creative caption and use #shopmdtaxfree to submit an entry on any or all of the social media platforms.
After tax-free week ends, the Maryland Retailers Association, which is providing the scholarships, will select the two entries that best reflect the spirit of Shop Maryland Tax-Free Week.
“This year, Marylanders can not only save money during tax-free week, but they have the opportunity to win a big scholarship, while supporting local businesses, all with a few clicks on their phone,” said Comptroller Franchot. “It’s so easy to participate, and the scholarships being provided by the Maryland Retailers Association are a great incentive to help defray the cost of tuition.”
“Tax-free week provides a much-needed boost to brick-and-mortar retailers in our state and we encourage all consumers to support their local businesses,” said Cailey Locklair Tolle, president of the Maryland Retailers Association. “This year we are thrilled to help promote shopping local and tax-free week by offering scholarships to our contest winners.”
During tax-free week, any single qualifying article of clothing or footwear priced $100 or less – regardless of how many items are purchased at the same time – will be exempt from the state’s 6 percent sales tax. New this year is the addition of backpacks and bookbags to the list of tax-exempt items, although it only applies to the first $40 of the purchase.
In the weeks leading up to and during Shop Maryland Tax-Free Week, the Comptroller will join the Maryland Retailers Association at promotional events across the state to encourage shoppers to take advantage of these savings and to participate in the contest.
To get the latest details about Tax-Free Week and to enter the contest, like or follow the social media pages on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram. And be sure to check out the promotional video for the Shop Maryland Tax-Free Week contest.
Resulting from legislation passed by the Maryland General Assembly in 2007, the tax-free week is held annually during the second week in August. Businesses selling items that are not eligible for inclusion in the tax-free week can still participate in Shop Maryland. Under “Sellers Privilege,” other unqualified merchandise can be sold tax-free, but the retailer is responsible for paying the sales tax owed to the state.
