AUSTIN (Talk1370.com) -- Despite the coronavirus pandemic, natural disasters and severe weather can still strike. Texas will hold its annual emergency preparedness sales tax holiday this weekend, April 25-27.
The sales tax holiday begins at 12:01 a.m. on Saturday, April 25, and ends at midnight on Monday, April 27.
"Unfortunately, strong spring storms, wildfires and the upcoming hurricane season will still threaten Texans in the months ahead, and so it’s important that homes and businesses have the supplies they need to face these emergencies," Texas Comptroller Glenn Hegar said. "As this pandemic continues to spread, I want to remind all Texans this sales tax holiday applies to qualifying items they purchase online, from the safety of their homes. If visiting your local retailer to purchase items, please practice appropriate social distancing as described by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention."
Some of the supplies you can purchase tax-free this weekend include:
If priced less than $3000:
Portable generators
If priced less than $300:
Emergency ladders
Hurricane shutters
If priced less than $75
Axes
Batteries, single or multipack (AAA cell, AA cell, C cell, D cell, 6 volt or 9 volt)
Can openers - nonelectric
Carbon monoxide detectors
Coolers and ice chests for food storage – nonelectric
Examples of items include: candles, flashlights and lanterns
Mobile telephone batteries and mobile telephone chargers
Radios - portable self-powered (including battery operated) - includes two-way and weather band radios
Smoke detectors
Tarps and other plastic sheeting
There is no limit on the number of qualifying items you can purchase. Delivery, shipping, handling and transportation charges are considered to be part of the sales price. If the emergency preparation supply being purchased is taxable, the delivery charge is also taxable.
Some examples of supplies and items that do not qualify for the sales tax holiday:
Medical masks and face masks
Cleaning supplies, such as disinfectants and bleach wipes
Gloves, including leather, fabric, latex and types used in healthcare
Toilet paper
Batteries for automobiles, boats and other motorized vehicles
Camping stoves
Camping supplies
Chainsaws
Plywood
Extension ladders
Stepladders
Tents
Repair or replacement parts for emergency preparation supplies
Services performed on, or related to, emergency preparation supplies
