Texans have the opportunity to stock up on household essentials without paying up to 8.25% sales tax.
This weekend, from Saturday to Monday, it’s emergency preparedness equipment Texas sales tax exemption, when residents can purchase certain items tax-free. This holiday is linked to preparation for natural disasters that could occur during the year, such as hurricanes, tornadoes Or forest fires.
Shoppers can purchase duty-free items in a variety of ways, whether online, over the phone or in-store. For online and telephone orders, the item is the customer’s responsibility during the exemption period but can be delivered beyond this weekend.
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The duty-free holiday begins at 12:01 a.m. on Saturday and ends at midnight on Monday. If you need a refund or other assistance, the Texas comptroller recommends calling 800-252-5555 for assistance.
DUTY FREE ITEMS AVAILABLE FOR PURCHASE IN TEXAS
Items considered tax-free are subject to price caps.
Portable generators under $3,000 are tax-exempt, as are fire escape ladders (not extension ladders) and hurricane shutters under $300. Qualifying items purchased for less than $75 include:
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Axes and hatchets
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Batteries (single or multiple packs)
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Can openers (non-electric)
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Carbon monoxide detectors
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Coolers and coolers for food storage
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Fire extinguishers
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First aid kits
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Fuel containers
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Ground anchoring systems and tie-down kits
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Ice products (reusable and artificial)
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Light sources (candles, flashlights, lanterns, etc.)
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Phone Chargers Radios (including two-way and weatherproof)
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Smoke detector
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Tarpaulins and other plastic coverings
Some self-care items are still exempt from sales tax if they are labeled with a “Drug Information” sign, such as antibacterial hand sanitizer, soap, spray and wipes.
WHAT IS NOT TAX-FREE?
While a ton of items are tax-free during the weekend, several supplies are not, such as:
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Medical masks and masks
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Cleaning products, such as disinfectants and bleach wipes
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Gloves, including leather, fabric and latex
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Toilet paper
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Batteries for automobiles, boats and other motor vehicles
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Camping stoves
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Camping supplies
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Chainsaws
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Plywood
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Extension ladders
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Stepladders
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Tents
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Repair or replacement parts for emergency preparedness supplies
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Services rendered or related to emergency preparedness supplies
WHAT SHOULD YOUR DISASTER KIT CONTAIN?
Every home should have a disaster supply kitrecommends the Texas Department of State Health Services.
Many items that should be in a disaster kit will be tax-free Saturday through Monday. At the top of the list is at least a three-day supply of food, plus one gallon of water per day per person or animal. Also:
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First aid supplies, medicines and hygiene
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Batteries, chargers, flashlights, radio, whistle, matches/lighter
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Car evacuation supplies including road maps
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Emergency documents…
