Emergency supplies tax-free this weekend in Texas

Thursday, April 20, 2017
HOUSTON, Texas (KTRK) -- After several bouts with spring storms already, it can be hard to focus on what you need to do to prepare for hurricane season.

The good news is there is a tax holiday coming up for emergency supplies. It is from Saturday, April 22- Monday, April 24.
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A variety of items are eligible for the tax-free holiday, and there is no limit to the number of qualifying items you can purchase.

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Here are the supplies which qualify for tax exemption:

Less than $3,000: Portable generators

Less than $300:
  • Hurricane shutters
  • Emergency ladders

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How does a tropical storm become a hurricane?

Palm trees bend under the force of the wind in this file photo of a hurricane.

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Less than $75
  • Batteries, single or multipack (AAA cell, AA cell, C cell, D cell, 6 volt or 9 volt)
  • First aid kits
  • Fuel containers
  • Ground anchor systems and tie-down kits
  • Hatchets
  • Axes
  • Mobile telephone batteries and mobile telephone chargers
  • Nonelectric coolers and ice chests for food storage
  • Nonelectric can openers
  • Portable self-powered light sources (hand cranked flashlights)
  • Portable self-powered radios, including two-way and weather band radios
  • Reusable and artificial ice products
  • Smoke detectors, fire extinguishers and carbon monoxide detectors
  • Tarps and other plastic sheeting


Historical hurricanes that made waves in May


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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


How prepared is your state for keeping children safe during a crisis?

SaveTheChildren.org



Now please note, shipping or delivery charges are part of the sales price and are also taxable. If the delivery charge exceeds the tax-free limit, you will owe tax on the item. You may want to think about these charges during the tax-free holiday.





For more information, check out the Texas Comptroller's website.

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