Sales-tax holiday for emergency supplies April 26-28
Texas’ annual sales-tax holiday for emergency supplies is in the April 26-28 forecast, just in time for severe weather season. The tax-free days begin at 12:01 a.m. Saturday and end at midnight Monday.
According to the Texas Comptroller’s office, shoppers will save an estimated $2.3 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 less than $75;
- hurricane shutters and emergency ladders priced less than $300;
- and portable generators priced less than $3,000.
Find a complete list of eligible items on the Texas Comptroller’s website.
For online purchases, note that delivery, shipping, handling, and transportation charges are part of the sales price. If the emergency preparation item being purchased is taxable, the delivery charge is also taxable.
For example, if you purchase an emergency ladder online for $299 with a $10 delivery charge, the total sales price is $309. Because the total price is more than the $300 limit, tax is due.
Items that do not qualify include:
- batteries for automobiles, boats, and other motorized vehicles;
- camping stoves and camping supplies;
- chain saws;
- plywood;
- extension ladders and stepladders;
- and tents.
Find a complete list of non-eligible items on the Texas Comptroller’s website.