Texas’ Sales Tax Holiday For Emergency Preparation Is This Weekend

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One thing we should all know by now is that it is a good thing to be prepared for an emergency. Whether the emergency is a power outage, a tornado, flooding rain, or even the need to power up a flashlight. And this is the weekend in Texas to purchase those emergency preparedness item as many will be tax-free. But of course there are some restrictions in place.

The sales-tax  holiday for emergency supplies begins at 12:01 Saturday morning and ends at midnight at Monday, April 24.

According to the State of Texas and the Office of Comptroller portable generators under $3,000 qualify for the tax exemption. As do several other items, including batteries, first aid kits, axes, and much more.

• 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.

Items that do not qualify for tax exemption include medical and face masks, cleaning supplies, camping supplies, stepladders, chainsaws, and even toilet paper won't be tax-free this weekend.

For a full list of what is exempt and not exempt, check out the Texas Comptroller's website.