The scourge of Winter Storm Uri is a brutal reminder for Houstonians to be prepared for the most extreme weather — and subsequent power outages. (Houston, as CultureMap reported, bore the worst of the storm.)
To that end, a major tax break will help locals do just that.
Those who purchase emergency supplies can enjoy no sales tax on those items, per the Texas Comptroller’s Office. The sales tax exemptions run from 12:01 am Saturday, April 24 through midnight on Monday, April 26.
Shoppers who aren’t looking forward to braving long lines are in luck: products bought online, by phone, mail, or custom order also qualify for the exemption, per a comptroller’s office statement.
Here is a breakdown of equipment and supplies eligible for the tax break, per the office:
Less than $3000
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
Notably, protective items such as face masks, gloves, and other pieces of personal protection equipment do not qualify for the exemption.
A full list of what is and is not covered under the law can be found here; additional information is available via phone at 1-800-252-5555.
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