Comptroller Peter Franchot urges Marylanders to take advantage of Shop Maryland Energy, a tax-free weekend for select Energy Star products beginning at 12:01 a.m. Saturday, February 14, and ending at 11:59 p.m. Monday, February 16, 2015.
Now in its sixth year, the annual tax-free weekend allows Marylanders to make qualifying purchases without paying the state’s six percent sales tax.
“Shop Maryland Energy has been hugely successful because it’s good for the economy and it’s good for the environment,” said Comptroller Franchot. “Marylanders save money on their purchases, reduce their future energy bills and invest in a greener future. Local stores that employ our friends and neighbors also benefit by getting a boost during these tough economic times.”
Energy Star products eligible for the six percent tax break include air conditioners, washers and dryers, furnaces, heat pumps, standard-size refrigerators, compact fluorescent light bulbs (CFL), light-emitting diode (LED) light bulbs, dehumidifiers and programmable thermostats. To earn an Energy Star designation, an appliance must meet strict energy efficiency requirements developed by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency.
“This is a great opportunity to shop at one of our local Maryland retailers and get a tax break on big-ticket, energy efficient appliances like washers and dryers, as well as smaller items like LED light bulbs.” said Patrick Donoho, President of the Maryland Retailers Association. “Shoppers see immediate savings at the register and over the life of the appliance.”
The Energy Star program was established in 1992 to reduce levels of greenhouse gas emissions and other harmful pollutants caused by the inefficient use of energy. The
Energy Star label assists consumers in identifying energy-efficient products that offer savings on energy bills without sacrificing performance, features or comfort.
A list of Energy Star items may be found at: www.energystar.gov. For more information, visit the Comptroller of Maryland’s website: www.marylandtaxes.com, e-mail: shopmaryland@comp.state.md.us, or call 410-260-7980 in Central Maryland, or toll-free, 1-800-MD-TAXES.