Save on Emergency Items During the Sales Tax Holiday in Texas April 22 – 24

Texas’ sales tax holiday for emergency preparedness supplies is this weekend, just in time for severe weather season.

According to Texas Comptroller Glenn Hegar, Texans can purchase certain items tax-free during the state's sales tax holiday, which begins at 12:01 a.m. on Saturday, April 22, and ends at midnight on Monday, April 24.

The list of tax-exempt items ranges from fuel containers and flashlights to batteries and portable generators. Even cell phone batteries and radios are exempt this weekend, depending on the model.

"While we can't know in advance when the next flood, tornado or hurricane may strike, we can make sure our families, homes and businesses have the supplies they need to face these and other emergencies," Hegar said. "This tax holiday can help Texans save money while stocking up for emergency situations. Don't wait for disaster to strike. Take the time now to get prepared."

Comptroller's office estimated that shoppers will save nearly $2 million in state and local sales taxes during the tax holiday, which was approved by the Texas Legislature in 2015.

There is no limit on the number of qualifying items you can purchase, and you do not need to give an exemption certificate to claim the exemption, the Comptroller's office said.

According to a report by our media partners at The Dallas Morning News, the list of exempt items doesn’t change much from year to year. Backpacks were added in 2007 to the back-to-school tax-free weekend, which is now in its second generation of Texans since it was started in 1999.

TEXAS SALES TAX HOLIDAY QUALIFYING ITEMS

• Less than $3000
  • Portable generators.
• Less than $300
  • Emergency ladders.
  • Hurricane shutters.
• Less than $75
  • Axes.
  • Batteries, single or multipack (AAA cell, AA cell, C cell, D cell, 6 volt or 9 volt).
  • Can openers - nonelectric.
  • Carbon monoxide detectors.
  • Coolers and ice chests for food storage – nonelectric.
  • Fire extinguishers.
  • First aid kits.
  • Fuel containers.
  • Ground anchor systems and tie-down kits.
  • Hatchets.
  • Ice products - reusable and artificial.
  • Light sources - portable self-powered (including battery operated).
    • Examples of items include candles, flashlights and lanterns.
  • Mobile telephone batteries and mobile telephone chargers.
  • Radios - portable self-powered (including battery operated) - includes two-way and weather band radios.
  • Smoke detectors.
  • Tarps and other plastic sheeting.

PURCHASES THAT DO NOT QUALIFY

• Medical masks and face masks.
• Cleaning supplies, such as disinfectants and bleach wipes.
• Gloves, including leather, fabric, latex and types used in healthcare.
• Toilet paper.
• Batteries for automobiles, boats and other motorized vehicles.
• Camping stoves.
• Camping supplies.
• Chainsaws.
• Plywood.
• Extension ladders.
• Stepladders.
• Tents.
• Repair or replacement parts for emergency preparation supplies.
• Services performed on, or related to, emergency preparation supplies.

A list of emergency preparation supplies that may be purchased tax-free can be found on the Texas Comptroller's website.

When making purchases online, Texans should note that delivery, shipping, handling, and transportation charges are part of the sales price.

According to the Comptroller's office, if you pay sales tax on these items during the sales tax holiday, you can ask the seller for a refund of the tax paid. The seller can either grant the refund or provide their customer with Form 00-985, which allows the purchaser to file the refund claim directly with the Comptroller's office.

Anyone with additional questions about refund requests should contact 800-531-5441, ext. 34545, or visit the Sales Tax Refunds web page.

For additional information, contact Tax Help, or call 1-800-252-5555.