Get hurricane-ready by purchasing supplies tax-free during Texas’ sales tax holiday

Don’t let this weekend’s sales tax holiday blow past you - the event lasts April 27-29

Certain items can be purchased tax-free during the state of Texas’ sales tax holiday for emergency preparation supplies.

The sales tax holiday begins at 12:01 a.m. on Saturday, April 27, and ends at midnight on Monday, April 29.

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“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,” Texas Comptroller Glenn Hegar said. “There is no sense in waiting for disaster to occur. 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.

There’s no limit on the number of qualifying items you can purchase. These items include:

  • household batteries, fuel containers and flashlights priced less than $75;
  • hurricane shutters and emergency ladders priced less than $300; and
  • portable generators priced less than $3,000.

Online purchasers should 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. Consider these charges when determining whether an emergency preparation supply can be purchased tax free during the holiday,” the comptroller’s office said.

Purchases that do not qualify include:

  • batteries for automobiles, boats and other motorized vehicles;
  • camping stoves and camping supplies;
  • chainsaws;
  • plywood;
  • extension ladders and stepladders; and
  • tents.

Click here for a list of the emergency preparation supplies that may be purchased tax free. Click here for more information.


About the Author

Christian Terry covered digital news in Tyler and Wichita Falls before returning to the Houston area where he grew up. He is passionate about weather and the outdoors and often spends his days off on the water fishing.

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