Texans can buy emergency supplies free of tax this weekend ahead of hurricane season approaching

Updated 3 hours ago
HOUSTON, Texas (KTRK) -- Hurricane season is quickly approaching, and this weekend is a great way to stock up on emergency supplies in Texas.

Starting Saturday, the state will waive sales tax on items useful for safety during the Atlantic and Eastern Pacific hurricane seasons, which run from June 1 through November.

Officials provided some key items available for under a certain amount:

Less than $3,000:
  • Portable generators


Less than $300:
  • Emergency ladders
  • Hurricane shutters
Less than $75:
  • ice chests
  • batteries
  • first-aid kits
  • small batteries
  • carbon monoxide detectors
  • fire extinguishers
  • fuel containers
  • ground anchor systems and tie down kits
  • hatchets
  • Mobile telephone batteries and chargers
  • smoke detectors
  • tarps and other plastic sheeting


According to the Comptroller.Texas.Gov website, items ineligible for the sales tax weekend include:medical masks, tents, plywood, toilet paper, step ladders, camping stoves, gloves, camping supplies, chainsaws, batteries for automobiles, and cleaning supplies.

SEE ALSO: Hurricane Preparedness 101: What you need in your kit

For those unable to make it to the store over the weekend, online purchases qualify for the tax-free sale as long as they are made between Saturday and Monday, April 27.



Officials also urge customers to remember that delivery, shipping, handling, and transportation charges are also a part of the sales price.

This year's holiday begins at 12:01 a.m. on Saturday, April 25, and ends at midnight on Monday, April 27.



To stay up to date, check out ABC13's Hurricane Guide for more information.
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