Emergency preparedness gets lift from tax break

posted on 4.18.2016

 - Sales tax holiday for supplies April 23-25

Texas broadcasters’ continuing efforts to help local communities prepare for emergencies gets a lift this week-end with the state’s first sales tax holiday on emergency preparedness supplies. The sales tax break resulted from legislation approved by state lawmakers in 2015 and supported by TAB.

Stations are encouraged to alert viewers and listeners to get a head start on preparing for what is typically high season for natural disasters by taking advantage of this once-a-year sales tax break which will save 8.25 percent on eligible purchases.

Consumers can purchase an unlimited number of the supplies eligible for the tax break, which include:

• Batteries, fuel containers and flashlights costing less than $75;
• Hurricane shutters and emergency ladders costing less than $300 and
• Portable generators costing less than $3,000.

Several products that some may view as necessary to prepare for emergencies but are predominantly used for general purposes are excluded from the tax break, including:

• Batteries for cars, boats and other motorized vehicles;
• Camping stoves and related supplies; and
• Chainsaws

Complete list of items eligible for and excluded from the tax break

State Sen. Chuy Hinojosa, D-McAllen, authored the measure creating the tax holiday with an eye toward helping the constituents of his sprawling coastal district that stretches from McAllen to Corpus Christi. The region has been hard hit in recent years by hurricanes and tropical storms that left thousands without power for extended periods of time.

Deeia Beck, head of the state’s Office of Public Insurance Counsel, proposed the measure as a key consumer benefit and protection, and TAB actively worked for its passage in the 2015 legislative session.

Questions?  Contact TAB’s Oscar Rodriguez or call (512) 322-9944.

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