Texas emergency supply tax holiday runs through Monday

Texas residents can stock up on emergency preparedness supplies tax-free through Monday, April 27, as the state’s annual Emergency Supplies Sales Tax Holiday is underway.  The holiday is aimed at helping Texans prepare for natural disasters such as hurricanes, flash floods, and wildfires.

There is no limit on the number of qualifying items that can be purchased, and shoppers do not need to provide an exemption certificate to receive the tax break.

Portable generators qualify if they are priced under $3,000.  Emergency ladders and hurricane shutters are exempt if they cost less than $300.  A wide range of smaller emergency supplies qualify if they are priced under $75, including axes, hatchets, batteries, non-electric can openers, carbon monoxide detectors, coolers, fire extinguishers, first aid kits, fuel containers, tie-down kits, reusable ice products, flashlights, lanterns, mobile phone chargers, portable radios, smoke detectors, and tarps or plastic sheeting.

Certain everyday health items, such as antibacterial hand sanitizer and wipes, are already exempt from sales tax year-round.

Not all emergency-related purchases qualify for the exemption.  Items such as medical masks, cleaning supplies, gloves, toilet paper, vehicle batteries, camping equipment, chainsaws, plywood, tents, and non-qualifying ladders remain taxable.