Buy Emergency Preparation Supplies in Texas Tax-Free This Weekend

AUSTIN, TX — The Emergency Preparation Supplies Sales Tax Holiday is this weekend, a time when you can buy emergency items tax free throughout Texas.

Batteries, cell phone chargers, carbon monoxide detectors, first aid kits, ice chests, manual can opener and more can be purchased this weekend without having to pay sales tax.

"The severe weather we had last year — particularly Hurricane Harvey — was a stark reminder that Texans should be prepared for emergencies at all times," Texas Comptroller Glenn Hegar said in announcing the tax-free sales period. "This tax holiday allows people to save money while ensuring they have the supplies they need before an emergency situation occurs."

This sales tax holiday runs from 12:01 a.m. on Saturday, April 28, to midnight April 30.

The state comptroller's office estimates Texans could save more than $1.5 million in local and state taxes during this tax-free holiday. This latest sales tax reprieve is one of several held throughout the year, with others designed to help Texans buy energy- or water-efficient products in May and cloths and school supplies in August.

This weekend, the focus is on stocking up on anything that might be needed during a weather emergency, and there's no limit on the number of items that can be purchased. There is no limit to the number of items one can purchase tax-free this weekend, but each item has to cost less than $75.

As families partake of the tax-free holiday, they should devise a plan on how to react in emergencies or natural disasters while having their emergency supplies readily at hand. Items on a list of recommendations run the gamut from axes to tarps.

Exceptions to the $75-and-under requirement include portable generators under $3,000 and hurricane shutters and emergency ladders priced at under $300. The full list is available at the comptroller's website: https://comptroller.texas.gov/taxes.

Among the items that are not tax free are car and boat batteries, chainsaws, plywood and tents. Here are further details from the comptroller's office:

These emergency preparation supplies qualify for tax exemption if purchased for a sales price:

• 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

These supplies do not qualify for tax exemption:

• 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

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