As severe weather season approaches, Texas Comptroller Glenn Hegar reminded Texans they can purchase certain items tax free during the state’s sales tax holiday for emergency preparation supplies, which begins at 12:01 a.m. on Saturday, April 27, just after midnight and ends at midnight on Monday, April 29.
“Fires, tornadoes and other severe weather conditions can strike at any time, so it is important that families, homes and businesses have the supplies they need to face these and other emergencies,” Hegar said. “There is no sense in waiting for disaster to strike. I’m encouraging Texans to take advantage of this tax holiday to save money while stocking up for emergency situations.”
The Comptroller’s office estimates shoppers will save about $2.1 million in state and local sales taxes during the tax holiday, which was approved by the Texas Legislature in 2015.
Qualifying items that can be purchased without limit includehousehold batteries, fuel containers and flashlights priced less than $75;hurricane shutters and emergency ladders priced less than $300; andportable generators priced less than $3,000.
For purchases made online, note that delivery, shipping, handling and transportation charges are part of the sales price. If the emergency preparation supply being purchased is taxable, the delivery charge is also taxable.
Purchases that do not qualify includebatteries for automobiles, boats and other motorized vehicles;camping stoves and camping supplies;cha insaws;plywood;extensio n ladders and stepladders; andtents.
A full list of emergency preparation supplies that may be purchased tax free can be found on the Comptroller’s website.