Texas sales tax suspended on emergency items this weekend

HOUSTON, Texas (KTRK) -- This year's sales tax holiday for emergency supplies is happening this weekend, according to the Texas Comptroller's Office.

The holiday allows Texans to purchase certain emergency supplies without having to pay sales tax. The sales tax exemptions will be in effect from 12:01 a.m. Saturday, April 24 through midnight on Monday, April 26.

Products bought online, by phone, mail or custom order also qualify for the exemption, Comptroller's office representatives said in a statement.

A list of emergency supplies that qualify for the sales tax exemption can be found on the comptroller's website, including information on maximum prices for each item before the exemption no longer applies. Examples include household batteries, fire extinguishers and first aid kits under $75 as well as portable generators under $3,000.

Masks, gloves and other pieces of personal protection equipment do not qualify under state law.

If you end up paying sales tax on items covered by the sales tax holiday, you can ask the vendor for a refund of the tax paid. They can either grant a refund upon request or may ask you to file a claim with the Comptroller's office. You can use this form to file.

The emergency supply sales tax holiday is one of four the State of Texas observes. The largest holiday happens every August for back-to-school items. Other sales tax holidays include energy and water conservation weekend each May around Memorial Day.