Summary: This weekend and Monday, 27 April through 29 April, emergency prep supplies will be tax-free in Texas. The TX Comptroller’s office has provided a list of approved and non-approved supplies, and estimates shoppers will save about $2.1 million in state and local sales taxes during the tax holiday, which was approved by the Texas Legislature in 2015.
Latest Update: 25 April, 2024
Sales Tax Holiday for Emergency Supplies, April 27 - 29, 2024
This weekend and Monday, 27 April through 29 April, emergency prep supplies will be tax-free in Texas. The tax-free period "which begins at 12:01 a.m. on Saturday, April 27, and ends at midnight on Monday, April 29" [1] applies to items purchased in-store, online, by telephone, mail and custom order.
The Texas State Comptroller has provided a list of items that are eligible and not-eligible. [2] These 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). Examples of items include candles, flashlights and lanterns.
• 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
• Several over-the-counter self-care items, such as antibacterial hand sanitizer, soap, spray and wipes, are always exempt from sales tax if they are labeled with a “Drug Facts” panel in accordance with federal Food and Drug Administration (FDA) regulations.
These supplies do NOT qualify for tax exemption:
• Tarps and other plastic sheeting
• Medical masks and face masks.
• Cleaning supplies, such as disinfectants and bleach wipes.
• Gloves, including leather, fabric, latex and types used in healthcare.
• Toilet paper.
• 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.
Find additional details in sources [1] and [2] and an Emergency Kit Checklist in [4].
Sources and Resources
[1] Sales Tax Holiday for Emergency Supplies, April 27-29, Texas Comptroller Of Public Accounts, 15 April 2024
Emergency prep supplies will be tax-free in Texas from April 27-29
As we enter severe weather season, Texas Comptroller Glenn Hegar reminds Texans they can purchase certain items tax free during the state’s sales tax holiday for emergency preparation supplies, which begins at 12:01 a.m. on Saturday, April 27, and ends at midnight on Monday, April 29.
“Fires, tornadoes and other severe weather conditions can strike at any time, so it is important that families, homes and businesses have the supplies they need to face these and other emergencies,” Hegar said. “There is no sense in waiting for disaster to occur. I’m encouraging Texans to take advantage of this tax holiday to save money while stocking up for emergency situations.”
The Comptroller’s office estimates shoppers will save about $2.1 million in state and local sales taxes during the tax holiday, which was approved by the Texas Legislature in 2015. [3]
There’s no limit on the number of qualifying items you can purchase.
[2] Emergency Preparation Supplies Sales Tax Holiday, Texas Comptroller Of Public Accounts
Natural disasters will continue to happen. Prepare yourself during the 2024 Emergency Preparation Supplies Sales Tax Holiday for emergencies that can cause physical damage like hurricanes, flash floods and wildfires. You can purchase certain emergency preparation supplies tax free during the sales tax holiday. There is no limit on the number of qualifying items you can purchase, and you do not need to give an exemption certificate to claim the exemption.
This year’s holiday begins at 12:01 a.m. on Saturday, April 27, and ends at midnight on Monday, April 29.
[3] Texas State Tax Code > Title 2. State Taxation . Subtitle E. Sales, Excise, And Use Taxes . Chapter 151. Limited Sales, Excise, And Use Tax . Sec. 151.3565. Emergency Preparation Supplies For Limited Period.
This is an official government preparedness site to educate the public on important topics. The content on this site is of a serious nature, but is presented in a more friendly format for understanding how everyone can be a part of helping create a safer community.
• Emergency Kit Check List, Know What To Do,