Acting Texas Comptroller Kelly Hancock is reminding Texans they can purchase certain emergency supplies tax-free during the state’s Emergency Preparation Supplies Sales Tax Holiday, which runs from 12:01 a.m. Saturday, April 25, through midnight Monday, April 27.
“From hailstorms to hurricanes, Texans know the importance of being prepared when bad weather hits,” Hancock said. “This sales tax holiday provides a great opportunity to stock up on supplies and save a little money while you’re at it.”
The Texas Comptroller of Public Accounts estimates shoppers will save about $2.4 million in state and local sales taxes during the holiday, which was approved by the Texas Legislature in 2015.
There is no limit on the number of qualifying items that can be purchased.
Qualifying items include:
Less than $3,000
- Portable generators
Less than $300
- Emergency ladders
- Hurricane shutters
Less than $75
- Axes and hatchets
- Batteries (AAA, AA, C, D, 6-volt or 9-volt)
- Nonelectric can openers
- Carbon monoxide detectors
- Nonelectric coolers and ice chests
- Fire extinguishers
- First aid kits
- Fuel containers
- Ground anchor systems and tie-down kits
- Reusable and artificial ice products
- Portable, self-powered light sources (including flashlights and lanterns)
- Mobile phone batteries and chargers
- Portable radios, including weather band and two-way radios
- Smoke detectors
- Tarps and plastic sheeting
Several over-the-counter self-care items, such as hand sanitizer, soap and disinfecting wipes, are always exempt from sales tax if labeled with a “Drug Facts” panel in accordance with FDA regulations.
Shoppers should note that for online purchases, delivery, shipping and handling charges are included in the total sales price. If those charges push the total cost above the qualifying limit, the item becomes taxable.
For example, a portable generator priced at $2,999 with a $50 delivery charge would total $3,049, making it subject to sales tax.
Items that do not qualify include:
- Medical or face masks
- Cleaning supplies such as disinfectants and bleach wipes
- Gloves of any type
- Toilet paper
- Batteries for vehicles or boats
- Camping stoves and supplies
- Chainsaws
- Plywood
- Extension ladders and stepladders
- Tents
- Repair or replacement parts for emergency supplies
- Services related to emergency preparation supplies
A complete list of qualifying emergency preparation supplies is available on the Texas Comptroller’s website.