News

Sales tax holiday coming up in Maryland and West Virginia

by Lisa Schauer

Back-to-school shoppers in Maryland and West Virginia will enjoy a sales tax holiday on popular items this month.

West Virginia Governor Jim Justice announced a statewide sales tax holiday in effect on certain items purchased from Friday, August 4 through Monday, August 7 at 11:59 p.m.

During that time, no state sales tax will be collected on certain back-to-school items sold, including clothing items $125 or less, school supply items $50 or less, school instructional materials $20 or less, laptops or tablets $500 or less, and sports equipment $150 or less.

Shoppers in Maryland will enjoy a tax-free holiday for an entire week, from Sunday, August 13 through Saturday, August 19.

During that time, Maryland will not collect sales tax on apparel and footwear priced $100 or less per item, or on the first $40 of a book bag or backpack. Diapers also qualify.

In both West Virginia and Maryland, state sales tax is six percent.

There is no household limit on the number of items purchased. Items purchased online during the sales tax holiday period will qualify.

Virginia and Pennsylvania do not have a sales tax holiday.