Emergency Preparation Supplies Tax Free Weekend is April 27-29
(Harris County, TX) - 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, contact us at Tax Help, or call 1-800-252-5555.
Download the ReadyHarris app, from the Apple Store or Google Play, and use our step-by-step guide to building a personalized family disaster plan. Go to ReadyHarris.org to sign up for emergency alerts and follow us on Facebook and Twitter.