With severe weather season ramping up across the Lone Star State, Texans will soon have a chance to prepare — and save money while doing it. Acting Texas Comptroller Kelly Hancock is reminding residents that the state’s Emergency Preparation Supplies Sales Tax Holiday begins at 12:01 a.m. Saturday, April 25, and runs through midnight Monday, April 27.
During this three-day window, Texans can purchase a variety of emergency preparedness items completely tax free, offering both peace of mind and financial relief. From unexpected spring storms to the threat of severe weather later in the year, this tax holiday is designed to help families and communities stay ready.
“From hailstorms to hurricanes, Texans know the importance of being prepared when bad weather hits,” Hancock said. “This sales tax holiday provides a great opportunity to stock up on supplies and save a little money while you’re at it.” For residents across West Texas and the South Plains, where high winds, storms, and wildfire risks are a regular concern, preparation is not just a recommendation — it’s a necessity.
According to the Texas Comptroller’s Office, shoppers are expected to save approximately $2.4 million in state and local sales taxes during the holiday. The tax break was approved by the Texas Legislature in 2015 as a way to encourage Texans to invest in emergency supplies ahead of potential disasters.
There is no limit on the number of qualifying items that can be purchased, as long as each item falls within the established price thresholds. Items that qualify include household batteries, fuel containers, and flashlights priced under $75, hurricane shutters and emergency ladders priced under $300, and portable generators priced under $3,000. These items can be essential during power outages or severe weather events, making this a valuable opportunity for households, farmers, and businesses alike.
Shoppers planning to make purchases online should be aware that delivery, shipping, handling, and transportation charges are included in the total sales price. This is important when determining whether an item qualifies for the tax exemption. For example, a portable generator priced at $2,999 with a $50 delivery fee brings the total to $3,049, which exceeds the $3,000 limit and would make the entire purchase taxable.
Not all emergency-related items qualify for the tax exemption. Items such as batteries for automobiles, boats, and other motorized vehicles, camping stoves and camping supplies, chainsaws, plywood, extension ladders and stepladders, and tents are not included in the tax-free list.
With ongoing drought conditions, wildfire concerns, and the ever-present threat of severe weather across Terry County and the surrounding South Plains, this tax holiday comes at a critical time. Taking a few moments to prepare now can make a significant difference when emergencies arise.
As the weekend approaches, Texans are encouraged to take advantage of the savings, review their emergency preparedness plans, and ensure their homes are equipped with the supplies they need. Being prepared today can provide safety and peace of mind for tomorrow.
These emergency preparation supplies qualify for tax exemption if purchased for a sales price:
- 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.
Note: Several over-the-counter self-care items, such as antibacterial hand sanitizer, soap, spray and wipes, are always exempt from sales tax if they are labeled with a “Drug Facts” panel in accordance with federal Food and Drug Administration (FDA) regulations.
These supplies do not qualify for tax exemption:
- Medical masks and face masks.
- Cleaning supplies, such as disinfectants and bleach wipes.
- Gloves, including leather, fabric, latex and types used in healthcare.
- Toilet paper.
- Batteries for automobiles, boats and other motorized vehicles.
- 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.
Online Purchases and Telephone Orders
During the holiday you can buy qualifying emergency preparation supplies in-store, online, by telephone, mail, custom order, or any other means. The sale of the item must take place during the specific period. The purchase date is easy to determine when the purchase is made in-store but becomes more complicated with remote purchases. The purchaser must have given the consideration for the item during the period even if the item may not be delivered until after the period is over.
For example, if a purchaser enters their credit card information in an online shopping website on Monday, April 27, 2026, at 5:00 p.m.to purchase a qualifying generator, but the generator will not be shipped until Friday, May 1, 2026, and will not arrive until Tuesday, May 5, 2026, the purchase will still qualify for the exemption. However, if the charge to credit card is declined by the payment processor at 11:00 p.m. on Monday, April 27, 2026, and the purchaser does not resubmit payment until Tuesday, April 28, 2026, the purchase is taxable.
Additional Charges Affect the Sales Price
Delivery, shipping, handling and transportation charges are part of the sales price. Consider these charges when determining whether an emergency preparation supply can be purchased tax free during the holiday.
For example, you purchase a rescue ladder for $299 with a $10 delivery charge, for a total sales price of $309. Because the total sales price of the ladder is more than $300, tax is due on the $309 sales price.
Sales Tax Holiday Refund Requests
Purchasers can buy certain emergency preparation supplies tax free during the annual Texas Emergency Supplies Sales Tax Holiday. If you pay sales tax on these items during the sales tax holiday, you can ask the seller for a refund of the tax paid. The seller can either grant the refund or provide their customer with Form 00-985, Assignment of Right to Refund (PDF) that allows the purchaser to file the refund claim directly with the Comptroller’s office.
Should you have additional questions about refund requests, please contact us at 800-531-5441, ext. 34545, or visit our Sales Tax Refunds web page for further details on filing a refund claim.
For more information, contact us at Tax Help, or call 800-252-5555
