Texans can save money on emergency supplies during April 25-27 sales tax holiday
Even in these days of coronavirus, there’s a sales tax holiday coming up in Texas.
Texans can save money stocking up on emergency supplies such as household batteries, flashlights, first aid kits and fuel containers that cost less than $75 from April 25-27.
“We are encouraging shoppers to either purchase their items online or use strict social distancing measures if they visit brick and mortars,” said Kevin Lyons, a spokesman in the Texas Comptroller’s Office. “We are absolutely concerned about the safety and well-being of Texans.
“We want them to be able to safely take advantage of the state-mandated sales tax holiday for emergency preparation supplies.”
This is one of several tax holidays in Texas each year.
The goal of this one is to help Texans prepare for spring storms, tornadoes and hurricanes. And there’s no limit on the number of items people can buy.
Diane Cervantes, an infectious disease epidemiologist at the UNT Health Science Center, said she doesn’t know how many people know about this tax holiday or will take advantage of it.
But now that stimulus checks have been sent out from the federal government, people may want to stock up on these items.
“If retailers are prepared, and ... making sure people keep their distance in the store,” it should be safe for people to shop, she said.
Cervantes encourages shoppers to wear masks to cover their faces.
Other tax-free items include carbon monoxide detectors, hatchets, smoke detectors, non-electric ice chests for food storage, tarps and non-electric can openers as well as emergency ladders and hurricane shutters that cost less than $300 and portable generators that cost less than $3,000.
If you’re ordering online, shipping and handling and delivery costs are factored in to the sales price.
The comptroller’s office notes that some self-care items — such as soap, wipes and antibacterial hand sanitizer — are always exempt from sales tax if they have a “Drug Facts” label that meets Food and Drug Administration regulations.
Some items do not qualify, such as medical and face masks, cleaning supplies, toilet paper, gloves, car and boat batteries, plywood, tents, chainsaws, camping stoves and extension ladders and stepladders. Visit the Texas Comptroller’s website for the list of eligible items.
The holiday begins at 12:01 a.m. Saturday, April 25, and ends at midnight on Monday, April 27.
Other Texas sales tax holidays
Energy Star Sales Tax Holiday, May 23-25. Energy efficient items such as dishwashers, clothes washers, incandescent and fluorescent light bulbs, ceiling fans, refrigerators that cost $2,000 or less and air conditioners that cost $6,000 or less.
Water-Efficient Products Sales Tax Holiday, May 23-25. Water conservation or water efficient products such as mulch, rain barrels, drip-irrigation hoses, soil, compost, plants and grasses.
“Back to School” Sales Tax Holiday, Aug. 7-9. Clothes, shoes and school backpacks under $100.
