HARLINGEN — You might want to hold off buying that new washing machine or those garden plants.
The second annual sales tax holiday for water- and energy-efficient systems and appliances is set for the three-day Memorial Day weekend.
Similar to the back-to-school tax-free holiday, some of the savings can be claimed by commercial interests as well as private citizens.
The Texas comptroller estimates shoppers will save $10.2 million in state and local sales tax during the Memorial Day weekend sales tax holiday.
“Outdated water systems and inefficient appliances can put a tremendous strain on our water supplies and power grids,” Texas Comptroller Glenn Hegar said.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 — all while saving money on state and local sales taxes.”
This is the second year for the Water-Efficient Sales Tax Holiday. Products that display a WaterSense label or logo can be purchased tax-free for personal or business use.
The sales tax holiday also applies to water-conserving products used or planted for conserving or retaining groundwater, like mulch, soil, plants, sprinklers or irrigation systems.
There also is an Energy Star Sales Tax Holiday where products displaying the Energy Star logo can be purchased tax-free, including thermostats, air-conditioning units under $6,000, ceiling fans, dishwashers and washing machines.
There is no limit to the number of water-efficient or water-conserving products you can purchase.
What’s on the list?
Products that display a WaterSense label or logo can be purchased tax-free for personal or business use. These include showerheads, bathroom sink faucets and accessories, toilets, urinals and landscape irrigation controls.
The sales tax holiday also applies to water-conserving products such as soaker or drip-irrigation hoses, moisture controls for a sprinkler or irrigation system, mulch, plants, trees and grasses. These items can only be purchased tax-free for residential use.
Products that display the Energy Star logo such as programmable thermostats, air conditioners priced at $6,000 or less, refrigerators priced at $2,000 or less, ceiling fans, fluorescent light bulbs, dishwashers, dehumidifiers and clothes washing machines (but not dryers).
For a complete list of items on the water-efficient list go online here:
https://comptroller.texas.gov/taxes/publications/98-1018.php
Or call 800-252-5555
