Texans looking to save on energy-efficient appliances will find many Energy Star® appliances tax free during Memorial Day Weekend, Saturday May 23 to Monday May 25. Shoppers are expected to save an estimated $3.8 million in state and local sales tax during the Memorial Day weekend sales tax holiday.
The sales tax break applies to ENERGY STAR® qualified air conditioners priced at $6,000 or less; refrigerators priced at $2,000 or less; ceiling fans; fluorescent light bulbs; dishwashers; dehumidifiers; and clothes washers. Clothes dryers are not ENERGY STAR® certified.
Estimated annual energy and water savings for eligible products are listed in the chart below.
ENERGY STAR® Appliance vs. Conventional
Appliance Type Energy Savings Water Savings
Central Air Conditioners 15%
Room/Window Air Conditioners 15%
Refrigerators 10%
Ceiling Fans 60%
Compact Fluorescent Light Bulbs 80%
Clothes Washers 25% 40%
Dish Washers 5% 15%
Dehumidifiers 15%
Source: U.S. Department of Energy, U.S. Environmental Protection Agency
Additional ENERGY STAR® Sales Tax Holiday details are available at http://comptroller.texas.gov/taxinfo/taxpubs/tx96_1331/.
