Expand / Collapse search
☰

Emergency Preparation Supplies Tax Free Weekend, April 28-30

By John Dawson, FOX 26 News
Published  April 27, 2018 9:39pm CDT
Texas
FOX 26 Houston

Image 1 of 2
▼

The weekend of April 28-30 has been designated as an Emergency Preparation Supplies Sales Tax Holiday for Texas. This tax-free holiday begins at 12:01 a.m. on Saturday, April 28, and ends at midnight on Monday, April 30. There is no limit on the number of qualifying items you can purchase and you do not need an exemption certificate.

“Everyone around Houston needs to buy emergency preparedness supplies,” says FOX 26 Meteorologist John Dawson. “And it’s not just hurricane season, we should be ready year-round. We might as well save some money by making some purchases this weekend!”

The following emergency preparation supplies qualify for tax exemption:

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
  • Supplies that do not qualify include:
  • 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

Additional Charges Affect Purchase Price

Delivery, shipping, handling and transportation charges are part of the sales price. If the emergency preparation supply being purchased is taxable, the delivery charge is also taxable. Consider these charges when determining whether an emergency preparation supply can be purchased tax free during the holiday.

For example, you purchase a rescue ladder for $299 with a $10 delivery charge, for a total sales price of $309. Because the total sales price of the ladder is more than $300, tax is due on the $309 sales price. For more information, contact us at Tax Help, or call 1-800-252-5555.