Texas’s emergency supplies tax-free weekend is here, and it couldn’t come at a better time. Starting at 12:01 a.m. Saturday through midnight Monday, you can stock up on essential storm prep items without paying sales tax.
Being just 50 miles from the Gulf Coast makes Houston a prime target for severe weather. Hurricane Beryl hit as a Category 1, causing widespread outages. A May derecho brought 100 mph winds, killing eight, and the ’Christmas Outbreak’ spawned 11 tornadoes across Southeast Texas. And let’s be honest, Houston highways flood for a reason.
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I’m not saying this to scare you. It’s a reminder to be prepared — for your family’s safety and your wallet. While storm prep is essential, it can get pricey.
You can stock up on eligible items without paying sales tax, with the key word being “eligible.”
Here’s a list from the Comptroller’s website of emergency preparation supplies that qualify for tax exemption when purchased at the following 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.
So let’s say you really need batteries, you get to buy them tax-free if they’re priced less than 75.
These aren’t the only items eligible. Other popular items include non-electric can openers, carbon monoxide detectors, and cell phone chargers.
Some items that aren’t on the list include face masks, cleaning supplies, car and boat batteries, tents, and chainsaws.
If you’re shopping for your emergency preparedness supplies online during the tax-free weekend, don’t forget shipping costs count towards the price.
All important things we need to know because as we all know, hurricane season starts June 1.