Texas will suspend sales taxes on qualifying emergency preparedness supplies from April 25 through April 27 under the state’s annual Emergency Preparation Supplies Sales Tax Holiday, allowing residents to purchase eligible disaster-related items tax-free across all retail channels.
The Texas Comptroller of Public Accounts said the exemption applies to purchases made in person, online, by phone, or by mail between 12:01 a.m. Saturday, April 25, and 11:59 p.m. Monday, April 27, with no limits on quantity.
The program covers specific price tiers for eligible items. Portable generators priced under $3,000 qualify for the exemption. Emergency ladders and hurricane shutters priced under $300 also qualify. Items priced under $75 include batteries, can openers, carbon monoxide detectors, coolers, fire extinguishers, first aid kits, fuel containers, light sources such as flashlights and lanterns, portable radios, smoke detectors, tarps, and mobile phone chargers and batteries.
The comptroller’s office said the exemption does not apply to several items, including batteries for motor vehicles, camping stoves, chainsaws, cleaning supplies, extension ladders, gloves, plywood, tents, toilet paper, and repair parts or services for emergency equipment. Face masks and gloves are also excluded.
The office said over-the-counter self-care products remain generally tax-exempt if they include FDA “Drug Facts” labeling.
The comptroller’s office said customers who pay sales tax on eligible items during the holiday may request refunds from retailers or file claims with the state.
