Take advantage of tax-free shopping in Maryland

If your kids need a few new outfits for the upcoming school year, you can take advantage of a tax-free week being offered by the state of Maryland.

From Sunday, August 9th through Saturday, August 15th, most clothing and shoes will be exempt from sales tax. 

To qualify, each item must sell for less than $100.  Any single item over that amount will be taxed.  You can, however, purchase a group of qualified items that total more than $100 and still avoid the sales tax.

Maryland last held a tax-free shopping week in 2001, and it led to a 10% spike in retail sales.  Officials say retailers desperately need that kind of boost right now.

"Our retailers are looking for good news in terms of a sustained growth in sales," said Patrick Donaho of the Maryland Retailers Association. 

Delegate Susan Aumann (R-Baltimore County) added, "I think in the long run it'll end up being even more prosperous for everybody, the consumer and the retailer."

Many of the parents we spoke with say they're eager to take advantage as they work on their back to school shopping.

"Anything where you can get a good discount of course we'll do," said shopper Mark Davis, "because considering the times are tight, we have to budget our money as much as possible."

The Maryland Comptroller's Office has a complete list of what is and is not eligible for tax-free shopping.  To see the full list, click here .