Emergency prep supplies will be tax-free in Texas from April 22-24

SAN ANTONIO – To help Texans prepare for weather events like hurricanes and violent spring storms, the state is offering a sales tax holiday on essential items like generators, flashlights and first aid kits.

According to the comptroller’s office, the 2023 Emergency Preparation Supplies Sales Tax Holiday will be from 12:01 a.m. on Saturday, April 22 to midnight on Monday, April 24.

There is no limit on the number of items purchased, but there are price limits for individual items.

For example, only generators that cost less than $3,000 and ice chests priced less than $75 are eligible for the tax-freebie.

These emergency preparation supplies qualify for tax exemption if purchased for a sales price:

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:

• 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

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.

Read more about the Emergency Preparation Supplies Sales Tax Holiday online.

Here are some resources that can help you prepare for any emergency:

• What to include in your emergency supply kit
• Preparedness plan for hurricane season
• Download the American Red Cross free emergency preparedness app by texting GETEMERGENCY to 90999
• Department of Homeland Security’s suggested emergency food supply list
• Survival kit supplies from the American Red Cross
• CDC’s recommendations for preparing for a disaster or emergency