News Release: Comptroller Reminds Marylanders to

News Release: Comptroller Reminds Marylanders to "Shop Maryland Energy," February 16-18

NEWS release

Comptroller Reminds

Marylanders to Shop Maryland

Energy, February 16-18 

- Six Percent Sales Tax Waived on Qualifying ENERGY STAR Products- 

Annapolis, MD (January 16, 2013) –Comptroller Peter Franchot today reminded Marylanders to take advantage of Shop Maryland Energy, a tax-free weekend on select ENERGY STAR products. Beginning on Saturday, February 16 at 12:01 a.m. and ending on Monday, February 18 at 11:59 p.m., Marylanders will not pay the six percent state sales tax on qualifying ENERGY STAR product purchases.

Resulting from legislation passed in the 2007 special session of the Maryland General Assembly, this tax-free weekend is scheduled for the Saturday immediately preceding the third Monday in February until the third Monday of February. This annual tax holiday will occur in perpetuity until the legislature decides to revisit the issue. 
“This annual event allows consumers who purchase ENERGY STAR products to save money on the initial purchase and future energy bills, while simultaneously benefitting Maryland retailers with a boost in sales,” Said Comptroller Franchot.

During Shop Maryland Energy, air conditioners, clothes washers, furnaces, heat pumps, standard size refrigerators, compact fluorescent light bulbs (CFL), dehumidifiers and programmable thermostats that have been designated as meeting or exceeding the applicable ENERGY STAR efficiency requirements developed by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency and the U.S. Department of Energy will be tax-free.

“This weekend provides consumers with a win-win,” said Patrick Donoho, president, Maryland Retailers Association. “Consumers will save money by not paying the sales tax on qualified appliances and savings on future energy costs while helping the environment with more energy efficient appliances.” 

The ENERGY STAR label was established to reduce greenhouse gas emissions and other pollutants caused by the inefficient use of energy. The label makes it easier for consumers to identify energy-efficient products that offer savings on energy bills without sacrificing performance, features, and comfort. A list of ENERGY STAR items may be found at: www.energystar.gov <http://www.energystar.gov/> . For more information, visit the Comptroller of Maryland's Web site, www.marylandtaxes.com <http:///> , e-mail shopmaryland@comp.state.md.us<mailto:shopmaryland@comp.state.md.us> , or call 410-260-7980 in Central Maryland, or toll-free, 1-800-MD-TAXES.