Maryland Tax-Free Week 2010 Isn't Just for Back-to-School Clothes Purchases

Maryland's tax-free week 2010, timed to assist parents with back to school clothes purchases, is set for August 8 to August 14. By buying eligible items during tax free week, Marylanders save the otherwise applicable 6% sales tax. But thinking of Maryland tax-free week 2010 as merely a back to school perk for parents means missing out on substantial savings opportunities. With the unemployment rate hovering around 10%, many budget-conscious families, with or without school children, can create welcome savings by purchasing items needed throughout the year during tax-free week.

The Maryland comptroller publishes a list of items eligible for tax free purchase August 8 to 14. Each item must retail for $100 or less.

Some of the clothing eligible for tax-free purchases in Maryland suggests that lobbyists have been hard at work. Bowling shoes and shirts, for example. And bridal gowns, fur coats and stoles. (Good luck finding bridal gowns for under $100, anyway.) But there are also many general purpose items qualifying for tax-free purchase during Maryland tax-free week 2010 that families may not normally think of when hearing tax-free week advertising.

Planning Ahead Can Mean Significant Savings

Parents can stock up on diapers during tax-free week. Leotards and tights count for the tax exemption. Scout uniforms can be purchased tax-free. Even Halloween costumes qualify.

If the budget permits, shopping for winterwear during tax free week could result in significant savings. Winter coats, boots, hats, mittens and gloves (but not umbrellas) all qualifty as tax free purchases.

Planning ahead for graduation, prom, weddings, and other special occasions can result in significant savings as clothing items designed for these occasions including some rentals are included among the items eligible for tax free treatment during Maryland's tax free week 2010.

Families whose members will need clothing for dance classes or martial arts lessons can buy them tax free during Maryland tax free week 2010.

Most Sports Safety Equipment Not Tax Exempt but Specialty Sports Clothing Is

Sports items are a mixed bag when it comes to tax exemptions. Safety items and specialty gear generally don't qualify for tax free treatment during Maryland tax free week 2010. There's no tax free treatment for helmets, cleats, shoulder pads, baseball mitts, chest protectors, ice and inline skates, knee pads, life jackets and vests, scuba gear, shin guards, skin diving suits, swim masks, fins and goggles, and water ski vests, but (in addition to bowling shoes and shirts), athletic supporters, athletic socks, bathing suits and cover-ups, fishing vests, golf clothing, gym suits, hiking boots, hunting vests, coats and pants, martial arts attire, ski suits, sports uniforms, tennis shoes, and tennis skirts and dresses do qualify.

Work Uniforms and Dry Cleaning Meet Tax Free Criteria

Marylanders needing work uniforms can buy them without paying taxes during tax free week 2010.

Noncommercial dry cleaning services are also tax free for the week as are noncommercial laundry services.

With Maryland tax free week 2010 less than two weeks away, there's not much time to save in anticipation of making tax free purchases, but there are tax savings to be had for those who can come up with the cash outlays.

Sources: http://www.comp.state.md.us/shopmd/List-of-taxable-exempt-items.pdf