The Harris County Office of Homeland Security & Emergency Management reminds residents of the Emergency Preparation Supplies Sales Tax Holiday taking place this weekend, April 27-29.
This tax-free holiday begins at 12:01 a.m. on Saturday, April 27, and ends at midnight on Monday, April 29. There is no limit on the number of qualifying items you can purchase and you do not need an exemption certificate.
"This is a great opportunity to stock up on items needed to be ready for the upcoming hurricane season or any other type of emergency," said Harris County Judge Lina Hidalgo. "Emergencies can happen at any time, so everyone must take action to prepare."
The following emergency preparation supplies qualify for tax exemption...
Less than $3,000:
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)
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
The following 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
Additional Charges Affect Purchase Price:
Delivery, shipping, handling and transportation charges are part of the sales price. If the emergency preparation supply being purchased is taxable, the delivery charge is also taxable. Consider these charges when determining whether an emergency preparation supply can be purchased tax free during the holiday.
For example, you purchase a rescue ladder for $299 with a $10 delivery charge, for a total sales price of $309. Because the total sales price of the ladder is more than $300, tax is due on the $309 sales price.
For more information, call 1-800-252-5555 or visit
comptroller.texas.go v/taxes/publications /98-1017.php