Emergency Supplies Purchases are Tax Free This Weekend

AUSTIN — As the severe weather season looms, Texas Comptroller Glenn Hegar is reminding Texans to prepare for emergencies by taking advantage of the state’s sales tax holiday. Starting at 12:01 a.m. on Saturday, April 27, and running through midnight on Monday, April 29, Texans can purchase designated emergency preparation supplies tax-free.

"Fires, tornadoes, and other severe weather conditions can strike at any time, so it is important that families, homes, and businesses have the supplies they need to face these and other emergencies," Hegar emphasized. "There is no sense in waiting for disaster to strike. I’m encouraging Texans to take advantage of this tax holiday to save money while stocking up for emergency situations."

The initiative, approved by the Texas Legislature in 2015, is estimated to save shoppers approximately $2.1 million in state and local sales taxes, according to the Comptroller’s office.

During the tax holiday, there is no limit on the number of qualifying items Texans can purchase. Eligible items include household batteries, fuel containers, flashlights priced less than $75, hurricane shutters, and emergency ladders priced less than $300, as well as portable generators priced less than $3,000.

However, for online purchases, consumers should note that delivery, shipping, handling, and transportation charges are factored into the sales price. If the purchased emergency preparation supply is taxable, the delivery charge is also taxable.

For instance, if an emergency ladder is bought online for $299 with a $10 delivery charge, the total sales price becomes $309. As it exceeds $300, tax is due on the $309 sales price.

Not all purchases qualify for the tax exemption. Items such as batteries for automobiles, boats, and other motorized vehicles, camping stoves and supplies, chainsaws, plywood, extension ladders, stepladders, and tents are not eligible.

A comprehensive list of emergency preparation supplies eligible for tax exemption can be accessed on the Comptroller’s website, aiding Texans in their preparation efforts as they gear up for the unpredictable challenges of severe weather.