This Weekend: Sales Tax Holiday for Emergency Supplies

(WFAA)

Texas (WBAP/KLIF) – Texans can purchase certain items tax-free during the state’s sales tax holiday for emergency preparation supplies, which begins at 12:01 a.m. Saturday, April 24, and ends at midnight on Monday, April 26.

The state comptroller’s office estimates shoppers will save more than $1.8 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 include:

  • Household batteries, fuel containers and flashlights priced at less than $75.
  • Hurricane shutters and emergency ladders priced at less than $300.
  • Portable generators priced at less than $3,000.

For purchases made online, note that delivery, shipping, handling and transportation charges are part of the sales price.

Several over-the-counter self-care items, such as antibacterial hand sanitizer, soap, spray and wipes, are always exempt from sales tax if they are labeled with a Drug Facts panel in accordance with U.S. Food and Drug Administration regulations.

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.
  • Tents.

A complete list of emergency supplies that can be purchased tax-free can be found on the comptroller’s website.

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