Time to Stock up on Disaster Supplies Emergency Preparation Supplies Tax Free Weekend, April 28-30

(Harris County, TX) – The Harris County Office of Homeland Security & Emergency Management reminds residents that the weekend of April 28-30 has been designated as an Emergency Preparation Supplies Sales Tax Holiday. This tax-free holiday begins at 12:01 a.m. on Saturday, April 28, and ends at midnight on Monday, April 30. There is no limit on the number of qualifying items you can purchase and you do not need an exemption certificate.

“We need to be prepared for disasters year-round,” said Harris County Judge Ed Emmett. “As we continue to recover from Hurricane Harvey, this emergency supplies tax holiday is a reminder to stock up on items needed to be ready for the upcoming hurricane season.”

The following emergency preparation supplies qualify for tax exemption:

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)
  • 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

The following 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. For more information, contact us at Tax Help, or call 1-800-252-5555.

Download the ReadyHarris app, from the Apple Store or Google Play, and use our step-by-step guide to building a personalized family disaster plan. Go to ReadyHarris.org to sign up for emergency alerts and follow us on Facebook and Twitter.

 

Keep your supplies in an easy-to-carry emergency preparedness kit

that you can use at home or take with you in case you must evacuate.

Twitter • Facebook •  ReadyHarris App

For more information visit the Regional Joint Information Center website at www.readyharris.org