This year, April 25th, 26th and 27th have been dubbed the Emergency Preparation Supplies Sales Tax Holiday for Texas. Applicable to both in-store purchases as well as online sales given the current shelter-in-place order in effect in the state of Texas, the intent of this sale is an effort to remind Texans to prepare in case of any turbulent weather such as hurricanes, flash floods, and spring storms.
The following items qualify for tax exemption if purchased for a sale price during this holiday:
- Less than $3000
- 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 kit
- Fuel containers
- Ground anchor systems and tie-down kits
- Hatchets
- Ice products - reusable and artificial
- Light sources - portable self-powered, including battery-operated (i.e. candles, flashlights, lanterns)
- Mobile telephone batteries and chargers
- Radios - portable self-powered (including battery-operated, two-way and weather band radios)
- Smoke detectors
- Tarps and other plastic sheeting
Note: Many 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 "Drugs Fact" panel in accordance with federal Food and Drug Administration (FDA) regulations.
The following items do not qualify for the tax exemption during the 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 used 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
If you or someone you've been sheltering with have not felt well, we encourage you to shop online and maintain social distancing guidelines in an effort to flatten the curve in Texas. For additional information or if you have any questions, visit comptroller.texas.gov or call 1-800-252-5555.
Suzanne Brown Insurance Agency
A Houston, Texas Independent Insurance Agency with over 100 insurance carriers
www.SuzanneBrownAgency.com
281-558-2210