Salisbury, Md. — Maryland’s annual Tax-Free Week hits the ground running from Sunday, August 10, through Saturday, August 16, 2025. This event offers residents and visitors in Eastern Shore communities such as Salisbury, Ocean City, and Berlin a significant opportunity to save on clothing and footwear purchases just in time for the back-to-school season.
During this week, Maryland exempts sales tax on most clothing and shoes priced at $100 or less per item. Additionally, shoppers receive a partial exemption on backpacks: the first $40 of any backpack or bookbag purchase is free from sales tax, regardless of the total price. This tax relief applies to both in-store and online purchases made during the Tax-Free Week. The program aims to ease the financial burden on families preparing for the new school year by reducing the overall cost of essential items. Eligible merchandise includes commonly worn apparel and footwear but excludes accessories such as jewelry, sports equipment, and rented clothing. Retailers in Salisbury, Ocean City, Berlin, and other Eastern Shore towns typically experience increased customer traffic during this period. Many local businesses complement the state’s tax break with their own sales and promotions to encourage shopping locally.
Maryland’s Tax-Free Week has become a key annual event for families on the Eastern Shore, where budgeting for school supplies and clothing is a considerable challenge. The sales tax exemption helps make quality items more affordable without compromising selection. Shoppers are encouraged to review Maryland’s official guidelines and the complete list of qualifying products, available at the Maryland Comptroller’s website, marylandtaxes.gov, to maximize their savings and plan purchases effectively.
