Texas’ Emergency Supply Tax Holiday Is This Weekend
Tornado season is upon us, and the State of Texas is offering a tax-free holiday this weekend to help you stock up on the supplies you'll need if a severe storm rocks your area.
The 2019 Emergency Preparation Supplies Sales Tax Holiday runs from Saturday, April 27 to Monday, April 29.
According to a news release from the Texas Comptroller's Office, "There is no limit on the number of qualifying items you can purchase, and you do not need to issue an exemption certificate to claim the exemption."
There is a caveat, though.
"Delivery, shipping, handling and transportation charges are part of the sales price," the release reads. "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."
"For example, you purchase a rescue ladder for $299 with a $10 delivery charge, for a total sales price of $309. Because the total sales price of the ladder is more than $300, tax is due on the $309 sales price."
So, which items qualify?
Less than $3000
- Portable generators
Less than $300
- Emergency ladders
- Hurricane shutters
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
The items below ARE NOT exempt:
- 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
Personally, I think chainsaws should be exempt in case of a zombie outbreak, but them's the rules.
If you have any questions or concerns, you can contact the comptroller's office at 1-800-252-5555.