Peter Franchot

Every year the Comptroller of Maryland engages in his Shop Maryland for the Holidays campaign encouraging residents to buy from local businesses. Small businesses are the lifeblood of our economy. This year more than ever before they need your patronage. The pandemic has ravaged retail shops, restaurants and almost every industry.

There are very safe ways to purchase from your favorite local shops during the pandemic whether online or in person, home delivery, curbside pickup, sidewalk sales or CDC recommended limited capacity indoor shopping. The Free State has you covered, so mask up and go or simply logon to your computer or phone. It has never been easier!

This year we are happy to not only renew our partnership with the Maryland Retailers Association, we are thrilled to announce that the Maryland/DC Credit Union Association and many of their credit union members are also partners. They will be offering a variety of rewards programs for shopping Maryland this holiday season. Select a credit union below for more details. Together we strive to Keep the Lights On by shopping safe, shopping local, shopping Maryland.

Franchot Encourages Residents To Shop Maryland For The Holidays

Check out the list of participating Credit Unions, and see how they are ready to help you shop local:

Lower Credit Card Rates (APR) Offer:
Atlantic Financial Federal
GPOFCU

Triple Points Offer:
Nymeo FCU

Double Points Offer:
DOLFCU
Five Star of MD Federal Credit Union
SECU

Lower Credit Card Rate (APR)/ Lower Holiday Loan Rate:
Market USA Federal Credit Union
Transportation FCU

Win Gift Cards or Prizes
Destinations Credit Union
InFirst FCU

Contact to Discover Rewards:
Central Credit Union of Maryland
Chessie FCU

SHOP Maryland for the Holidays Partners with Existing Rewards and Discount Programs:
APGFCU
Educational Systems Federal Credit Union
First Financial FCU
FRB Federal Credit Union
Point Breeze Credit Union

Downloadable Graphics for Social Media and Print:
Shop Maryland 2020 Small Business Saturday
Shop Maryland 2020 Announcement
Shop Maryland 2020 Blue Logo
Shop Maryland 2020 Logo Blue on Yellow
Shop Maryland 2020 Logo Yellow
Shop Maryland 2020 Logo Yellow on Blue
Shop Maryland 2020 Poster 8.5x11 JPG
Shop Maryland 2020 Poster 8.5x11 PDF
Shop Maryland 2020 Social Media Poster
Shop Maryland 2020 4x9 Rack Card
Social Media 1 Panel
Social Media 2 Panel
Social Media 3 Panel
Social Media 4 Panel
Social Media 5 Panel

Maryland's Tax Free Weekend for Certain Energy Star Products

Consumers will get a break from the state's 6 percent sales tax on qualifying Energy Star products from February 13-15, 2021. During Shop Maryland Energy weekend, the following Energy Star products are tax free:

• Air conditioners
• Washers and dryers
• Furnaces
• Heat pumps
• Boilers
• Solar water heaters (tax-exempt at all times now)
• Standard size refrigerators
• Dehumidifiers
• Programmable thermostats
• Compact fluorescent light bulbs

Shop Maryland Energy weekend will occur in perpetuity (or until legislative amendment) from the Saturday immediately preceding the third Monday in February until the third Monday of February. Additionally, a tax free week on clothing and footwear priced $100 or less will occur every year during the second week of August.

From 12:01 a.m. on Saturday, Saturday, February 13, through midnight on Monday February 15, 2021, qualifying ENERGY STAR products will be exempt from Maryland's 6 percent sales tax. For additional information, please see our Frequently Asked Questions. 

• 2021 - 8.5x11 Poster Shop MD Energy
• 2021 - 11x17 Poster Shop MD Energy
• 2021 Rack Card Front and Back
• 2021 Rack Card Front only
• 2021 Rack Card Back only
• 2021 Rack Cards 2
• 2021 Shop Maryland Energy - Social Media - 2500 pixels JPG
• 2021 Shop Maryland Energy - Social Media JPG
• 2021 Shop Maryland Energy - Social Media - 2 - Light-bulb JPG
• 2021 Shop Maryland Energy - Social Media -3 JPG
• 2021 Shop Maryland Energy - Social Media - Save 6% Energy JPG

More information on Shop Maryland Energy

• ENERGY STAR
• Maryland Energy Administration
• Energy.gov
• Maryland Department of the Environment
• Maryland Department of Natural Resources
• Chesapeake Bay Foundation
• Chesapeake Bay Trust
• BGE Smart Energy Saver Programs
• PEPCO Energy Saver Programs
• Delmarva Power Energy Saver Programs
• SMECO Energy Saver Programs
• Potomac Edison Energy Saver Programs

The R. Clayton Mitchell Jr. Award for Distinguished Public Service recognized past or current elected officials at all levels of government who exemplified Mitchell's spirit of public service, demonstrating strong leadership, humility and compassion for their communities. The former Speaker's son Clayton A. Mitchell Sr. partnered in the presentations with the Comptroller, offering personal insight into his father's tenure as a civil servant.

The virtual ceremony can be viewed here.

List of Winners:
Allegany County: Casper Taylor
Anne Arundel County: Mary Ann Love
Baltimore City: Kurt Schmoke
Baltimore County: Paula Hollinger
Calvert County: Hagner Mister
Caroline County: Larry C. Porter
Carrol County: Julia Walsh Gouge
Cecil County: Ronald Guns
Charles County: William Eckman
Dorchester County: Adelaide Eckardt
Frederick County: Galen Clagett
Garrett County: Peggy Jamison
Harford County: Eileen Rehrmann
Howard County: C. Vernon Gray
Kent County: Wayne Gilchrest
Montgomery County: Ida Ruben
Prince Georges County: Gloria Lawlah
Queen Anne's County: Wheeler Baker
Somerset County: Daniel Long
St. Mary's County: John Wood Jr.
Talbot County: William S. Horne
Washington County: Charles "Skip" Kauffman
Wicomico County: Norman Conway
Worcester County: William "Gee" Williams III

Citing a growing number of reports about serious illnesses, lung disease and deaths that are attributable to vaping, Comptroller Peter Franchot announced the creation of a task force to examine the public health and safety implications of electronic smoking devices (ESD). Members will represent local and state government, public health institutions, public health and safety experts, Maryland businesses, industry representatives, and the education community. This new task force - titled "e-facts" - will convene later this fall and will continue into early 2020. The task force directives will be:

• To achieve a better understanding of the nature and characteristics of ESDs, including the distinctions between various products within the marketplace;
• To gain a comprehensive picture of the public health and safety of ESDs and commercial effects of product sales in Maryland; and,
• To recommend new and stronger laws to ensure that consumers - particularly young people - are protected.

Resources

• FINAL E-Facts Report
• Task Force Membership List
• Task Force Meeting Schedule
• Suggestions for e-facts Task Force Recommendations

Agendas Presentations Graphics

The second Sunday of August to the following Saturday is designated as Shop Maryland Tax-Free Week each year. That means qualifying apparel and footwear $100 or less, per item, are exempt from the state sales tax. The first $40 of a backpack or bookbag purchase is also tax-free. Accessory items, except for backpacks, are not included. The Shop Maryland Tax-Free Week for 2020 is Sunday, August 9 - Saturday, August 15.

Additionally, there is a tax-free three-day weekend every February during which the state sales tax will not apply to the sale of any Energy Star Products listed. Please click on the Shop Maryland Energy Box on this page for more details.

Shop Maryland Resources

• Exempt vs. Taxable Purchase
• Tax-Free-Week FAQ
• Shop Maryland Tax-Free Week Fact Sheet
• SHOP MD Tax Free Scholarship Graphic - English
• SHOP MD Tax Free Scholarship Graphic - Español
• Printable 4 x 9 Rack Card - Front - 2020 JPG
• Printable 4 x 9 Rack Card - Back - 2020 JPG
• Printable 4 x 9 Rack Card Front and Back 2020 PDF
• SHOP MD Tax Free Social Media 2020 Mom and Two Kids JPG
• SHOP MD Tax Free Rail Interior Card 2020 JPG

For more information:
Call (800) MD-TAXES or (410) 260-7980 from Central Maryland

Comptroller Peter Franchot has finished accepting nominations for a new award that defines Maryland's local business community and the winners have been chosen. The Cornerstone Award exemplifies the following attributes:

• This award recognizes small and family-owned businesses that celebrate the guiding values of independence, innovation and investment that define Maryland's local business community.
• The Cornerstone Award further celebrates businesses in the retail, agriculture, manufacturing, industrial and entertainment sectors -- that are part of the fabric of their community.
• The recipients have adapted to economic challenges, overcome the changing marketplace and evolved to meet customer demands, while showing a commitment to the community through sponsorships, community service, charitable giving and civic involvement/leadership.
• One business has been selected from each of Maryland's 23 counties and Baltimore City.
• Businesses of any sector and any size are eligible for the award.

Award presentations began June 1, 2019 and will continue through December.
2019 Cornerstone Award Recipients for Talbot County Teddy Bear Fresh

Nominations are now being accepted for the 2020 William Donald Schaefer Helping People Award. If you know of a worthy individual or organization, download and submit the form no later than November 30.

The William Donald Schaefer Helping People Award is presented by the Comptroller of Maryland to the individuals and organizations in each of the 23 counties and Baltimore City who best exemplify William Donald Schaefer's lifelong commitment to helping people.

Winners are selected based on their demonstration of:

• Improving the community
• Swiftly solving a citizen problem through effective government intervention
• Directly aiding the most vulnerable in society or
• Creating a public/private partnership to improve the lives of Marylanders

Due to the COVID-19 pandemic, all William Donald Schaefer Helping People Awards have been presented virtually to protect the health and safety of the recipients, their families, and staff members. Individual press releases will be sent announcing each of the honorees, along with a link to view the virtual ceremony.

Comptroller Franchot and his team would like to thank all the nominees for their hard work and commitment to helping the under-served in their communities. Congratulations to all of the William Donald Schaefer Helping People Award recipients.

2019 Winners

Allegany County: Dorian Birkholz, Western Maryland MOM Dental Clinic, Virtual Presentation

Anne Arundel County: Burger & Bands For Suicide Prevention, Founders Ann & Ethan Brennan, Virtual Presentation

Baltimore City: Munir Bahar, COR Health Institute, Virtual Presentation

Baltimore County: Tyler Stallings, CEO Kid Time Enterprises, Virtual Presentation

Calvert County: Heart F.E.L.T., Founder Little Jack Woodford, Virtual Presentation

Carroll County: Pass Love Around, Founder Julia LeHew, Virtual Presentation

Caroline County: Judge Owen Wise, Virtual Presentation

Cecil County: Cecil Vets Honor Bus, Founder Susie Webster Campbell, Virtual Presentation

Charles County: Project Healing Waters Fly Fishing, Founder Capt. Ed Nicholson U.S. Navy (ret.), Virtual Presentation

Dorchester County: MidShore Meals Til Monday, Leslie Bishop Founder, Virtual Presentation

Frederick County: Debbie Williams Founder, Patty Pollatos Fund, Virtual Presentation

Garrett County: Phyllis Trickett, Virtual Presentation

Howard County: Food on the 15th, Founder Julie Rosenthal, Virtual Presentation

Montgomery County: Birthday Cakes 4 Free, Robert Wachen Co-Founder Virtual Presentation

Prince George's County: The Training Source, Inc., Founder E. Kim Rhim Virtual Presentation

Queen Anne's County: Amy's Army Holly Rhodes Co-Founder Virtual Presentation

Somerset County: Garland Hayward Youth Center, Founder, Garland Hayward, Virtual Presentation

St. Mary's County: Hits 4 Heroes, Founders Harry & Debbie Pool, Virtual Presentation

Talbot County: Talbot Paramedic Foundation, Co-Founder Wayne Dyott, Virtual Presentation

Washington County: Brookes House Kevin and Dana Simmers, Founders, Virtual Presentation

Wicomico County: Operation We Care, Jeff and Diana Merritt, Founders, Virtual Presentation

Worcester County: Adopt Your Beach, Founder Effie Cox, Virtual Presentation

For a list of last year's William Donald Schaefer Helping People Award Recipients please click here.

Working for Taxpayer Fairness and Convenience

Wayfair
On June 21, 2018, the United State Supreme Court ruled in South Dakota v. Wayfair that sellers can be required to collect sales taxes in states where the sellers do not have physical presence, overruling the Court's prior decision in Quill v. North Dakota. Now, out-of-state vendors must maintain records to determine whether they will be required to remit Maryland sales tax on retail sales for delivery into Maryland. Online sales transactions are subject to the State's 6 percent sales and use tax if the sale is made by a retailer who, either within the previous or current calendar year, made at least 200 sales transactions within the state, or the retailer earned at least $100,000 in gross revenue on sales in Maryland.

Compass
The COMPASS tax processing system is in the process of replacing the agency's State of Maryland Tax (SMART) system, Computer Assisted Collection System and other antiquated tax processing systems that operate on outdated, often-unsupported technology platforms. Highlights of the new system include improved fraud detection and prevention programs, increased ability for taxpayers to manage their accounts via online self-service applications, maximized audit, collection, reporting and estimating functionality, and overall increased system stability. Compass is to be implemented on a rolling basis over the next several years.

Tax Payer Protection Act
In 2017 the Tax Payer Protection Act (TPA) was signed into law giving the Comptroller more tools to combat increased fraudulent and predatory activity. The TPA placed greater legal responsibility on tax preparers to properly file returns and added a fraudulent return preparer financial penalty. It also extended police powers to the Comptroller's Field Enforcement Division (FED) to properly investigate and prepare cases of tax fraud for prosecution.

Brewery Modernization Act and Beer Franchise Law Reform
The Comptroller was instrumental in updating Maryland's antiquated beer laws which culminated in the Brewery Modernization Act and Beer Franchise Law Reform in 2019. Among the many changes, breweries are now able to sell 5,000 barrels of its own beer each year for on-premises consumption, instead of up to 2,000 or 3,000 barrels under specified circumstances and a brewery that obtains a Class 7 limited beer wholesaler's license is authorized to sell up to 5,000 barrels of its own beer annually, instead of 3,000 barrels. Additionally, brewers now only need to provide 45 days' notice to terminate a contract with their wholesaler and are not required to show any cause.

Comptroller Franchot is a strong proponent of financial literacy education. He spearheaded a grassroots petition campaign to gather over 10,000 signatures to present to the Maryland General Assembly session to persuade them to implement a state-wide high school graduation requirement in personal finance. In addition, he has worked with local jurisdictions and private sector partners to help create opportunities and programs that will help prepare our students for life after school. Comptroller Franchot?s efforts have seen several jurisdictions adopt a financial literacy graduation requirement, new programs and courses introduced in every school district across Maryland, and the creation of a finance park that allows students to test their knowledge in real world situations.

For more information on the Comptroller's initiative to promote financial literacy, contact Emily Gontrum at egontrum@marylandtaxes.gov or call her at 410-260-7561.

Important links for financial literacy

• Maryland Coalition for Financial Literacy
• Maryland Council on Economic Education
• U.S. Financial Literacy and Education Commission
• Junior Achievement of Central Maryland
• Junior Achievement of the Eastern Shore
• Junior Achievement of Greater Washington
• U.S. News & World Report's 2019 Credit Card Guide

Comptroller Franchot created the Better With Less Award in 2011 to recognize the countless Maryland businesses innovatively operating at lower costs. The award was given to one business or organization in each of Maryland's 23 counties and Baltimore City and recognized organizations that achieved economic success while using less resources, used an innovative means to efficiently operate, identified a niche market in the current economic climate or provided new economic opportunities for local communities. More than 100 nominations were received.

Bright Lights Award

Comptroller Franchot announced the Bright Lights Award in December 2016 to pay tribute to business and nonprofit leaders and organizations that foster innovation in their fields. The Bright Lights Award for Innovation and Entrepreneurship recognized and celebrated innovation in the private and nonprofit sectors that strengthened Maryland's economy, generated jobs and tax revenue and developed new ideas that more effectively delivered services and products within the marketplace. One winner was selected from each of Maryland's 23 counties and Baltimore City, and businesses or nonprofits of any size were eligible for the award.

Cool Classrooms

The Comptroller established the Cool Classrooms initiative in 2012 to galvanize public support for installing air conditioning in all Baltimore County Public Schools. Historically, school systems around the state have faced the same issue and have been able to solve it with great success by installing portable air conditioning units, giving school systems time to install central air while keeping students and teachers comfortable.

End Montgomery County Alcohol Monopoly

Comptroller Franchot held a press conference on December 22, 2015 to announce the findings of a state Bureau of Revenue Estimates study on the economic impact of introducing private sector competition on alcohol sales and distribution in Montgomery County.

Golden Apple Award

The Comptroller created the Golden Apple Award in 2012 to recognize outstanding volunteers, organizations and individuals within the Maryland public school system. Winners were selected on their demonstration of superior volunteer work in Maryland public schools. Countless numbers of men, women and organizations donate their time and resources to volunteer at public schools throughout the state, all without pay and sometimes without any recognition. This award provided the accolades these volunteers truly deserve.

Maryland Masters Award

The Maryland Masters Award recognized public-school students who displayed extraordinary artistic skills, talents and a vision for Maryland's future. During the 2013-2014 school year, 55 students from 19 jurisdictions throughout the state took part in the program. The Comptroller selected students from each of Maryland's 23 counties and Baltimore City in grades K-12 to have a piece of original artwork on exhibit in the Comptroller's Office in Annapolis.

School After Labor Day

In August 2013, Comptroller Franchot released an economic development impact report on a post-Labor Day start for public schools. Completed by the Bureau of Revenue Estimates, the report found that a delayed school start in Maryland would result in an additional $74.3 million in direct economic activity, including $3.7 million in new wages and a separate $7.7 million in state and local revenue.

A citizen-led grassroots initiative to start public schools after Labor Day kicked off in August 2014 to give families more time together, small businesses an economic boost and teachers a much-needed break. More than 13,240 Marylanders signed the "Let Summer Be Summer" petition, far exceeding the 10,000-signature goal. It was presented to members of the Maryland General Assembly at the beginning of the 2015 legislative session.

The "Let Summer Be Summer" campaign resulted from a governor's task force which recommended in May 2014 that Maryland public schools delay opening until after Labor Day, while continuing to end the school year in early to mid-June. The state task force, which met for nearly a year to consider the issue, voted 11 to 4 in favor of a later start date statewide.

Governor Hogan signed an executive order on August 31, 2016 requiring all Maryland public schools to begin classes after Labor Day. The executive order requires Maryland public schools to start classes after Labor Day and to end the school year by June 15. The new policy began with the start of the 2017-2018 school year.

Silver Hammer Award

Comptroller Franchot established the Silver Hammer Award in 2017 for schools that have demonstrated a commitment to fiscal responsibility through superior school maintenance. The Comptroller has seen many examples through his visits to public schools across the state where effective maintenance - including simple and affordable investments like a fresh coat of paint, new carpeting or a power washing - have made a world of difference. In addition to providing communities with a renewed sense of pride in their schools, research has confirmed the obvious and positive impact that clean, attractive and comfortable facilities have on student performance.

About the Reform on Tap Act of 2018