Tax-Free Holiday For Emergency Supplies Happens This Weekend.

HOUSTON, TX -- Hurricane season is right around the corner, and storm and tornado season are already well underway in Texas so it’s a good idea to be prepared for any emergency.

To help ensure readiness, the 2017 Emergency Preparation Supplies Sales Tax Holiday is set to kick off on Saturday, April 22 and runs through midnight on Monday, April 24.

The tax-free holiday was launched in 2016 to help Texas families prepare for the common weather-related issues of flash flooding, tornadoes, hurricanes, and thunderstorms

According to the Texas State Comptroller’s website, there are certain items that you can buy during this period that will help ensure you and your family are ready, while saving you a little money.

These emergency preparation supplies qualify for tax exemption if purchased for a sales price:

• 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.

These supplies do not qualify for tax exemption:

• 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

Also, the delivery, shipping, handling and transportation charges are part of the sales price. So, if the emergency preparation supply being purchased is taxable, the delivery charge is also taxable.

Image: KOMUnews via Flickr