As the back-to-school season approaches, parents and students can take advantage of tax-free shopping days to save on school supplies, clothing, and other essentials. Here's a breakdown of the tax-free holidays for Maryland, Virginia, West Virginia, DC, and Pennsylvania:
Maryland
Dates: August 11-17, 2024
During Maryland's tax-free week, qualifying clothing and footwear priced at $100 or less per item are exempt from the state's 6% sales tax. The first $40 of backpack/bookbag sales is also tax-exempt.
Virginia
Dates: August 2-4, 2024
Virginia's sales tax holiday covers a variety of items. During these dates, school supplies costing $20 or less per item, and clothing and footwear priced at $100 or less per item, are exempt from sales tax. Additionally, certain hurricane and emergency preparedness items and Energy Star™ and WaterSense™ products are also included in the tax exemption.
West Virginia
Dates: August 2-5, 2024
West Virginia's tax-free holiday includes school supplies priced at $50 or less per item, clothing at $125 or less, and laptop and tablet computers priced at $500 or less. This is a great time for families to stock up on necessary items for the school year without the added cost of sales tax.
Washington, DC
Dates: August 2-5, 2024
Washington, D.C. does not currently offer a tax-free holiday for back-to-school shopping. Residents are encouraged to check for any local promotions or sales that retailers might offer during the back-to-school season.
Pennsylvania
Dates: August 2-5, 2024
Pennsylvania does not have a statewide tax-free holiday. However, certain items like clothing and textbooks are generally exempt from sales tax year-round in Pennsylvania. It's beneficial for shoppers to review which items are exempt from sales tax to maximize their savings.
Tips for Tax-Free Shopping
- Plan Ahead: Make a list of necessary items and check the eligibility of these items for tax exemption.
- Shop Early: Start shopping as soon as the tax-free period begins to avoid crowded stores and stock shortages.
- Compare Prices: While the tax break offers savings, comparing prices across different stores can help maximize your budget.
Taking advantage of these tax-free holidays can significantly reduce the cost of preparing for the new school year. Happy shopping!
Category: Financial Literacy & Safety
