Shoppers take advantage of tax-free week in Md.

BALTIMORE (AP) — Shoppers in Maryland are taking advantage of the state's weeklong sales tax holiday.

Through Saturday, purchases of qualifying clothes and shoes for $100 or less are exempt from the state's 6 percent sales tax. The sales tax holiday is meant to encourage families to do their back-to-school shopping at Maryland stores.

On Sunday, the first day of the holiday, shoppers arrived at state malls and other retail outlets in large numbers.

In past years, Maryland retailers have reported a jump in sales during the tax holiday

most clothing items are free of Maryland’s usual 6 percent sales tax.

Until Aug. 18, the state will be doing away with its 6 percent sales tax for clothing and shoes less than $100. In 2007, legislation passed in a special session of the Maryland General Assembly to establish a tax-free week during the second week of August, according to the Comptroller’s Office.

Certain items such as accessories do not apply to tax-free week; ties, jewelry, handkerchiefs and backpacks all do not qualify.

Jen Haslacker, the service and training manager at Old Navy said Shop Maryland Tax-Free Week is similar to Black Friday, but for a whole week.

“It’s kind of like a holiday out there right now,” Haslacker said.

In the morning, there were a handful of people waiting outside of Old Navy for back-to-school shopping, Haslacker said. For a family like the Yankles this week will likely complete their back-to-school shopping.