Tax-free holiday on emergency supplies this weekend

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Friday, April 22, 2016
Save the date for tax-free weekend on emergency supplies
FILE - Tom Koch has more details on the tax-free weekend on emergency supplies coming up in Texas

In the midst of flood cleanup, it's easy to forget hurricane season is right around the corner.



But the good news is there is a tax holiday this weekend for emergency supplies.



It starts at midnight Saturday morning and ends at midnight Monday. 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.



VIDEO: How to find your car if it's towed during a storm


Many cars around the Houston area were abandoned during the weekend storms and towed. But there's a way to track down your car's location.


Here are the supplies which qualify for tax exemption:



Less than $3,000: Portable generators



Less than $300:


Hurricane shutters


Emergency ladders



How does a tropical storm become a hurricane?


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


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




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. 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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