Maryland shoppers often wonder if they can take advantage of Tax-Free Week deals without stepping foot in a store. The good news is yes—online purchases do qualify for tax exemption during Maryland’s Tax-Free Week, provided certain conditions are met. This allows you to enjoy the convenience of online shopping while still saving on eligible items.
To benefit from the sales tax exemption on online orders, two main criteria must be met:
The online retailer you’re purchasing from must be registered to collect and remit Maryland sales tax. Most major retailers, such as Amazon, Walmart, and Target, meet this requirement. However, smaller or out-of-state vendors may not, so it’s important to verify the seller’s tax collection status if you're unsure.
Timing is critical. Your online purchase must be completed during the official tax-free period. This means the item must be paid for—whether by credit card, PayPal, or other methods—within the tax-free window. Simply adding an item to your cart or placing a pre-order doesn’t qualify. Shipping dates don’t matter; the key factor is when the transaction is finalized.
Just like in-store purchases, clothing and footwear priced at $100 or less per item are exempt from sales tax during this period. Accessories and special-use items remain taxable, even online. Make sure the item’s individual price does not exceed $100, as any item priced higher is fully taxable, without partial exemption.
Shopping online during Maryland’s Tax-Free Week offers flexibility and convenience. Whether you're buying school clothes, updating your wardrobe, or simply looking for deals, you can enjoy tax savings without leaving your house—just double-check that your order meets the criteria.
