April 27-29 marks sales tax holiday for emergency supplies
AUSTIN, Texas (FOX 7 Austin) - Texas Comptroller Glenn Hegar is reminding Texans they will be able to purchase certain items tax-free April 27-29 during the state's sales tax holiday for emergency preparation supplies.
Hegar said in a release that the holiday is to help Texans save money while stocking up for emergency situations like hurricanes, floods, or tornadoes.
“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. "Don’t wait for disaster to strike. Take the time now to get prepared.”
Hegar's office estimates that shoppers will save more than $1.6 million in state and local sales taxes during the holiday.
There is no limit on the number of qualifying items that can be purchased, which include:
- household batteries, fuel containers, cellphone batteries & chargers, 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
Items that do not qualify for the sales tax holiday include:
- batteries for automobiles, boats and other motorized vehicles
- camping stoves, camping supplies and tents
- chainsaws and plywood
- extension ladders and stepladders
According to the release, delivery, shipping & handling and transportation charges are considered part of the sales price when determining the taxes and if the supply being purchased is taxable, the delivery charge is also taxable.
For example, if a rescue ladder costs $299 with a $10 delivery charge, the total sales price is more than the $300 limit so tax is due on the $309 sales price.
The release advises Texans to consider the total price when determining whether or not an items can be purchased tax-free during the holiday.
A complete list of items that can be purchased tax-free is available here.