ANNAPOLIS, MD — Lawmakers have an early present for Maryland parents this year: Along with sales tax waived on everything from jeans and shorts to shoes and dresses during Maryland's sales tax free week for school supplies and clothing, the first $40 toward the cost of a backpack or bookbag purchase is also tax-free.

This year's Shop Maryland Tax-Free Week runs from Sunday, Aug. 13, through Saturday, Aug. 19, says the Maryland comptroller's office. That means qualifying apparel and footwear sold for $100 or less, per item, is exempt from the 6 percent state sales tax. Accessory items are not included, with the new exception of backpacks, a staple of student life. The state has a detailed list of what is taxable and what is exempt from Maryland's sales tax that week. (See full list at bottom of story.)

»SIGN UP: Get Patch's daily newsletter and real-time news alerts, or like us on Facebook. Or, if you have an iPhone, download the free Patch app. While school uniforms, shirts, shoes, flip-flops and underwear are tax exempt, you might be surprised that pajamas, cloth diapers and bathrobes are also exempt that week. Many medical items such as adult diapers and braces are exempt, along with golf clothes, martial arts uniforms and sports uniforms.

Other items on many back-to-school shopping lists — sports cleats, baseball and lacrosse gloves — all remain taxable that week. Online purchases may qualify if purchased and delivered by Aug. 19.

According to the state comptroller, the Maryland legislature established the tax-free week as an annual observance from the second Sunday of the month to the subsequent Saturday.

For more information, call 800-MD-TAXES, e-mail taxhelp@comp.state.md.us or visit the Comptroller's Website at www.marylandtaxes.com.