Here's what emergency supplies are tax-free during Texas sales tax holiday

Marley Malenfant , Austin American-Statesman
Updated ·3 min read

Unpredictable weather is part of living in Texas. Most Texans understand the importance of being prepared for emergencies, including natural disasters such as hurricanes, power outages, tornadoes or even winter storms.

The state government has implemented the Emergency Preparation Supplies Sales Tax Holiday to assist Texans in their endeavors.

Here's what to know:

What is the Emergency Preparation Supplies Sales Tax Holiday?

This is a special event in Texas in which certain emergency supplies are exempt from sales tax. This initiative is aimed at encouraging individuals and families to stock up on essential items needed to weather various emergencies effectively.

When will the tax holiday happen?

The holiday will be April 27-29. There is no purchase limit on the number of qualifying items, according to the Texas comptroller’s office.

What emergency items are included?

During the holiday, a wide range of emergency supplies is exempt from sales tax (the total cost of the items must be less than $75, unless otherwise noted), including:

  • Portable generators (costing less than $3,000).

  • Emergency ladders (costing less than $300).

  • Hurricane shutters (costing less than $300).

  • 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.

What items are not included?

According to the Texas comptroller’s office, these items are still taxed:

  • Medical masks and face masks.

  • Cleaning supplies, such as disinfectants and bleach wipes.

  • Gloves, including leather, fabric, latex and types used in health care.

  • Toilet paper.

  • Batteries for automobiles, boats and other motorized vehicles.

  • Camping stoves.

  • Camping supplies.

  • Chain saws.

  • Plywood.

  • Extension ladders.

  • Stepladders.

  • Tents.

  • Repair or replacement parts for emergency preparation supplies.

  • Services performed on, or related to, emergency preparation supplies.

How does the sale work?

During the designated weekend, eligible items purchased for emergency preparation will automatically be exempt from sales taxes. According to the comptroller's website, "If you pay sales tax on these items during the sales tax holiday, you can ask the seller for a refund of the tax paid. The seller can either grant the refund or provide their customer with Form 00-985, Assignment of Right to Refund that allows the purchaser to file the refund claim directly with the Comptroller's office."

Why is a sales tax holiday important?

Being prepared for emergencies is crucial for the safety and well-being of individuals and communities. By offering a tax exemption on these essential items, the state aims to remove financial barriers that might prevent people from adequately preparing for emergencies. The initiative encourages Texans to be equipped to handle various weather situations effectively.

The sales tax holiday is estimated to save Texans $2.1 million in state and local taxes, according to the comptroller’s office.

This article originally appeared on Austin American-Statesman: A list of tax-free emergency supplies during Texas sales tax holiday