Acting Texas Comptroller Kelly Hancock announced on April 16 that Texans will be able to purchase certain emergency preparation supplies without paying sales tax from Saturday, April 25, through Monday, April 27. The Emergency Preparation Supplies Sales Tax Holiday is set to begin at 12:01 a.m. on April 25 and end at midnight on April 27.
The initiative aims to help residents prepare for severe weather events while saving money. Hancock said, “From hailstorms to hurricanes, Texans know the importance of being prepared when bad weather hits. This sales tax holiday provides a great opportunity to stock up on supplies and save a little money while you’re at it.”
According to the Texas Comptroller of Public Accounts, shoppers are expected to save about $2.4 million in state and local sales taxes during this period. The tax holiday was approved by the Texas Legislature in 2015.
There is no limit on the number of qualifying items that can be purchased tax free. However, for online purchases, delivery and related charges are included in the total sales price when determining eligibility for the exemption. For example, if someone buys a portable generator online for $2,999 with an additional $50 delivery charge—bringing the total price above $3,000—the entire amount becomes taxable because it exceeds the qualifying threshold.
A complete list of eligible emergency preparation supplies is available on the Comptroller’s website.
The broader impact of this event is intended to encourage preparedness across Texas as communities face unpredictable weather conditions each year.
