HARLINGEN — Call it a weekend for preppers.
A sales tax holiday for certain items dealing with emergency preparedness will be held April 22 to 24, Texas Comptroller Glenn Hegar announced.
“Unfortunately, we can’t predict when the next fire, flood or tornado may strike,” Hegar said. “But we can be prepared, and this tax holiday helps Texans save money while stocking up for emergency situations before they happen.”
There are no limits on the number of items you can buy, as long as they qualify for the tax break.
The comptroller’s office estimates shoppers will save $1.5 million in state and local sales taxes during the tax holiday, approved by lawmakers during the 2015 Texas Legislature.
Delivery, shipping, handling and transportation charges are part of the sales price, Hegar said.
If the emergency preparation supply being purchased is taxable, the delivery charge is also taxable, which should be a factor to consider in determining whether an emergency prep item can be purchased tax-free during the holiday.
For example, if purchasing a rescue ladder for $299 with a $10 delivery charge, the total sale price is $309. Because the total sales price of the ladder is more than $300, tax would be due on the $309 price.
For more information, contact the Comptroller’s Office at 1-800-252-5555.
Qualifying tax-free emergency items
Batteries, fuel containers and flashlights priced at less than $75
Hurricane shutters and emergency ladders priced at less than $300
Portable generators priced at less than $3,000
First aid kits
Hatchets and axes
Mobile telephone batteries and chargers
Portable self-powered radios, including two-way and weather radios
Tarps and other plastic sheeting
Items which don’t qualify as tax-free
Batteries for automobiles, boats and other motorized vehicles
Camping stoves and camping supplies
Chainsaws
Plywood
Extension ladders and stepladders, or tents
For a complete list of items, visit the Comptroller’s website at: https://comptroller.texas.gov/taxes/publications/98-1017.php
For more information, contact the Comptroller’s Office at 1-800-252-5555.
