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The twin sales-tax holidays for water-efficient and energy-efficient products takes place over the Memorial Day weekend, beginning Saturday and running through Monday.
It’s a chance to get deals on necessary items without paying a state sales tax. The State Comptroller’s Office says shoppers will see $14 million in tax savings over the weekend.
“Anyone who’s lived through a Texas summer knows triple-digit temperatures, outdated water systems and inefficient appliances can put a strain on our water supplies and power grids,” Comptroller Glenn Hegar said. “By taking advantage of these sales tax holidays, Texans can make upgrades that will help alleviate those pressures and lower their utility bills — while saving money on state and local sales taxes.”
This will be the seventh year for the Water-Efficient Products Sales Tax Holiday. Products displaying a WaterSense label or logo can be purchased tax-free for personal or business use. These include shower heads, bathroom sink faucets and accessories, toilets, urinals and landscape irrigation controls.
The sales tax holiday also applies to lawn and garden products that help conserve water outdoors. Items qualifying for the exemption include soaker or drip-irrigation hoses; moisture controls for sprinkler or irrigation systems; mulch; and plants, trees and grasses. These items can be purchased tax-free for residential use only.
There’s no limit on the number of water-efficient or water-conserving products you can purchase tax-free.
The Energy Star Sales Tax Holiday means many appliances can be purchased tax free, with some upper limits on the expenditure. Refrigerators under $2,000 are exempt, as are air-conditioning units under $6,000. Clothes washers and dishwashers are tax-exempt.
All must have the Energy Star label to qualify.
Stoves, freezers, water heaters, clothes dryers and attic fans and heat pumps will be taxed.
If you buy online, make sure shipping fees don’t put you over the mark on dollar-limited items.
