Flooding, tornadoes, fires and other emergencies can cause chaos and problems in communities. The state of Texas is helping residents to prepare for the unpredictable weather and emergencies with a sales tax holiday for certain emergency preparation supplies this weekend, April 23-25.
“Through action by the Texas Legislature, the state comptroller’s office allows Texans to purchase certain emergency preparation supplies tax-free during this year’s Emergency Preparation Supplies Tax Holiday,” Joyce Cavanagh, AgriLife Extension specialist with family development and resource management in College Station, said.
Cavanagh noted there is no limit on the number of qualifying items you can purchase, and there is no need for an exemption certificate in order to claim the exemption.
“However, there are restrictions in terms of the amount of money you are allowed to spend on specific items and whether there are additional charges that may affect the overall purchase price,” Cavanagh said.
According to AgriLife Today, items that can be purchased during the tax-free weekend include portable generators less than $3,000, hurricane shutters and emergency ladders less than $300.
Batteries, single or multipack of various sizes, first-aid kits, fuel containers, ground anchor systems and tie-down kits, hatchets, axes and many other items qualify if purchased for less than $75.
Automobile and boat batteries, chainsaws, camping stoves and supplies, are among the items that do not qualify for exemption.
To find a complete list of emergency supplies that qualify for tax exemption, click here.