Did the 2021 winter storm get you thinking about being better prepared for the next one? If so, make your list now of items you’ll need and be prepared for the Texas Sales Tax Holiday for emergency preparation supplies. The sales tax holiday will run from 12:01 a.m. on Saturday, April 24, 2021, through midnight on Monday, April 26, 2021.
Even though the winter storms are over, the real weather craziness is just starting up. We’ve already seen multiple hail storms in Central Texas and the thunderstorm season is just starting up. Having supplies on hand can be very useful plus, buying ahead of time means you don’t have to run to the hardware store as the storm approaches and fight the crowds of everyone else doing the same thing.
https://comptroller.texas.gov/taxes/publications/98-1017.php
Social Distancing
To encourage social distancing, you can purchase your items over the phone or on the internet and the purchase will qualify under the following conditions
- the item is both paid for and delivered to customer during the exemption period; or
- the item is ordered by and paid for by the customer and the seller accepts the order during the exemption period for immediate shipment, even if actual delivery is made after the exemption period.
Emergency items that qualify for sales 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
Note: Several over-the-counter self-care items, such as antibacterial hand sanitizer, soap, spray and wipes, are always exempt from sales tax if they are labeled with a “Drug Facts” panel in accordance with federal Food and Drug Administration (FDA) regulations.
Items that do not qualify for sales tax exemption during the sales tax holiday:
- 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
Check out the Comptroller’s website for more information and then get to planning what you need.