Every year, Maryland and many other states sponsor a tax-free week, where people can buy clothes and some school supplies without paying sales tax. The tax holiday runs from August 8 through 14 this year in the Free State.
Illinois has no tax holidays scheduled this year. However, the sales tax structure in Illinois is different from that in Maryland in that Illinois law allows for a variety of independent taxing authorities; in Maryland, the only sales tax is paid directly to the state at a rate of 6 percent.
Some restrictions apply, according to the Maryland comptroller’s office. But tax-exempt sales on individual back-to-school-related items under $100 and on the first $40 of backpacks under $100 are available during the week that begins on the second Sunday of August each year in Maryland.
Sales of accessories, such as wallets and sunglasses, are generally taxable, but most clothing under $100 is can be purchased tax-free to the consumer.
