Texas kicks off three-day sales tax holiday on emergency supplies

Texans can stock up on emergency preparation supplies tax-free starting this weekend as the state’s annual Emergency Preparation Supplies Sales Tax Holiday begins Saturday.

The three-day break runs from 12:01 a.m. on Saturday, April 25, through midnight on Monday, April 27. During this period, qualifying items purchased in stores, online, by phone or mail order across Texas are exempt from state and local sales tax. No exemption certificate is required, and there is no limit on the number of items a shopper can buy.

Acting Texas Comptroller Kelly Hancock urged residents to take advantage of the savings ahead of severe weather season. “From hailstorms to hurricanes, Texans know the importance of being prepared when bad weather hits,” Hancock said. “This sales tax holiday provides a great opportunity to stock up on supplies and save a little money while you’re at it.”

News Release: Texans Expected to Save More Than $2 Million During Sales Tax Holiday for Emergency Supplies, April 25-27. https://t.co/b2wcQ3fX7A pic.twitter.com/YPlupshiIq

— Texas Comptroller (@txcomptroller) April 17, 2026

The Comptroller’s Office estimates the holiday will save Texans about $2.4 million in combined state and local sales taxes. The tax break, approved by the Texas Legislature in 2015, helps families and businesses get ready for the state’s frequent threats of hurricanes, flash floods, wildfires and other natural disasters.

Qualifying items include portable generators priced under $3,000, hurricane shutters and emergency ladders under $300, and lower-priced essentials such as household batteries, fire extinguishers, first aid kits, flashlights, fuel containers, carbon monoxide detectors, smoke detectors, axes, tarps, radios and mobile phone chargers priced under $75. Shipping, handling and delivery charges count toward the total sales price and can affect whether an item qualifies.

Certain supplies do not qualify, including automobile batteries, camping equipment, chainsaws, plywood, extension ladders, stepladders, tents, medical masks, cleaning supplies and repair parts.

Shoppers should review the complete list of included and excluded items on the Texas Comptroller’s website before heading out. The holiday supports broader community preparedness efforts in a state where severe weather can strike with little warning.

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