June 1 marks the start of Hurricane season, but preparing early could help you save a little money this year. The annual Emergency Preparation Supplies Sales Tax Holiday is this weekend, April 27-29. That means you can purchase certain emergency supplies tax-free.
Items included in the sales tax holiday are:
- Portable generators, up to $3,000
- Emergency ladders, up to $300
- Hurricane shutters, up to $300
Also included are the following items, not to exceed $75 each:
- Axes
- Batteries
- Can openers (nonelectric)
- Carbon Monoxide Detectors
- Coolers and ice chests (nonelectric)
- Fire extinguishers
- First aid kits
- Fuel containers
- Ground anchor systems and tie-down kits
- Hatchets
- Ice products (reusable and artificial)
- Light sources – candles, flashlights and lanterns
- Cell phone batteries and chargers
- Radios
- Smoke detectors
- Tarps and plastic sheeting
Items that do not qualify for tax exemption include:
- Batteries for vehicles or boats
- 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 May Affect Price
Delivery fees, shipping and transportation charges are considered part of the total purchase price. To qualify as tax-free, the item you purchase must fall below the maximum spending cap when factoring in the extra charges.
For example, if you purchase some hurricane shutters for $290 with a $20 shipping charge, your final purchase price is $310. Because the final sales price of the shutters is over the $300 limit, tax is due on the entire $310 price tag.