Certain appliances that meet Energy Star requirements will be exempt from Maryland sales tax from Feb. 19 through Feb. 21, the state comptroller's office has announced.
During the "Shop Maryland Energy" weekend, consumers who buy Energy Star air conditioners, clothes washers, furnaces, heat pumps, boilers, standard size refrigerators, dehumidifiers and compact fluorescent light bulbs will not pay sales tax in Maryland stores or online. Dishwashers are not eligible, even if they meet Energy Star specifications.
In addition to saving 6 percent up front, consumers will also benefit from lower energy costs over time by using a more efficient machine, according to state officials.
Solar water heaters are always tax-free, and right now, Energy Star does not currently label dryers, so none are eligible, according to the office. The label for programmable thermostats was also discontinued last year, but any labeled products that remain on store shelves would be tax-exempt during that weekend.
Used appliances and those purchased on layaway also qualify, according to the comptroller's office. Contractors and businesses can also take advantage of the deal for eligible products during the weekend.
For more information, check the controller's website at http://www.marylandtaxes.com. During the weekend, consumers can call 1-800-MD-TAXES on Feb. 19 or Feb. 21.