Amid the coronavirus pandemic, severe weather can still strike in Texas.
Texas will hold its annual emergency preparedness sales tax holiday this weekend.
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."
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, according to the press release.
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
- Fire extinguishers
- First aid kits
- Fuel containers
- Ground anchor systems and tie-down kits
- Hatchets
- Ice products - reusable and artificial
- Light sources - portable self-powered (including battery operated)
- 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
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
For more information, visit the TexasComptroller's website.
