Texas’ sales tax holiday for emergency preparation supplies 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 and killed eight people, and the ’Christmas Outbreak’ of 2024 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.
During the sales tax-free weekend in Texas, you can stock up on eligible items without paying sales tax. The key is knowing which items qualify.
Here’s a list from the Comptroller’s website of some emergency preparation supplies that qualify for sales tax exemption April 26 - 28, 2025 when purchased at the following sales prices:
- 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 can buy them sales tax-free if they’re priced less than $75.
And these aren’t the only items eligible. Other popular items include non-electric can openers, carbon monoxide detectors, and cell phone chargers.
Some qualifying 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 sales tax-free weekend, don’t forget shipping costs count towards the price.
All important things we need to know because with the 2025 hurricane season starting June 1.