Comptroller, Md. retailers announce social media contest for Tax-Free Week, Aug. 13-19

Comptroller Peter Franchot (D) joined with the Maryland Retailers Association today 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, according to a press release. Comptroller Franchot will also visit 9/10 Condition Sneaker Boutique in Baltimore on Tuesday at 1 p.m. to promote tax-free week and the contest.

Leading up to and during the annual Shop Maryland Tax-Free Week, which takes place Aug. 13-19, 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, according to the release.

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.

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, according to the release.

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, according to the release.

For more information on qualifying items, go to www.marylandtaxes.com, email taxhelp@comp.state.md.us or call 410-260-7980 in Central Maryland or toll-free at 1-800-MD-TAXES.