LIST: This is what you need to know about Texas' sales tax holiday on emergency prep supplies

HOUSTON – Are you prepared for an emergency? Texas is making it easier to answer that question with a “yes” with its tax holiday coming up on April 27 through April 29.

One weekend every spring, the state holds a tax holiday to help local residents prepare for emergencies like hurricane season. 

Recommended Videos



You can purchase certain emergency preparation supplies tax-free. It’s a tax-free holiday Houston resident Linda Case appreciates.

“We have tax-free days for a lot of things, when school starts, etc. But to be prepared for and to get all the things you need for a hurricane and hurricane season and preparation, it’s a great idea,” Case said. “It encourages people to go look at things that maybe they haven’t thought of. If you’ve never been through a flood, there’s a lot that goes into.” 

This year’s holiday begins at 12:01 a.m. on Saturday, April 27, and ends at midnight on Monday, April 29. These emergency preparation supplies qualify for tax exemption if purchased for a sales price:

On a sunny day we’d all rather be outside enjoying the weather. During a storm we’d rather be inside. So on which day do...

Posted by Texas Comptroller of Public Accounts on Wednesday, April 10, 2019

 

These emergency preparation supplies qualify for tax exemption if purchased for a sales price:

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) 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

These 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.

If you have any questions, call 1-800-252-5555.


About the Authors:

A small-town girl from West Michigan with a passion for storytelling, traveling the world and meeting remarkable people along with the way.