As hurricane season approaches in Texas, state Comptroller Glenn Hegar announced a statewide sales tax holiday this weekend, April 27-29, on emergency preparedness supplies.
During the holiday, consumers will not be charged sales taxes on most items that fall under the umbrella of emergency preparedness supplies, including fire extinguishers, first aid kits and smoke detectors priced at less than $75, emergency ladders and hurricane shutters priced at less than $300, and portable generators priced at less than $3,000.
In a press release, Hegar said the Comptroller's office estimates shoppers will save more than $1.6 million in state and local sales taxes during the holiday.
“This tax holiday can help Texans save money while stocking up for emergency situations," Hegar said in the release. "Don’t wait for disaster to strike. Take the time now to get prepared.”
Delivery, shipping, handling and transportation charges are considered part of the cost of the supplies, meaning that if the item being purchased is taxable, the delivery charge is also taxable.
Items that do not qualify for the holiday include chainsaws, stepladders, tents, camping supplies and batteries for automobiles, boats or other motorized vehicles.
The holiday begins at 12:01 a.m. on Saturday, April 27, and ends at midnight on Monday morning, April 29. Hurricane season officially starts June 1.
For a full list of items that do and do not qualify for the holiday, as well as the price limits, visit the Texas Comptroller's website.