Texas sales tax holiday 2023: Buy emergency supplies tax-free this weekend

Texans can save money on emergency supplies this weekend during the state’s sales tax holiday.

Beginning on Saturday at 12:01 a.m. until midnight Monday, Texans can buy certain items without paying sales tax, including batteries, flashlights, some portable generators and fuel containers.

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There is no limit on the number items you can buy tax-free during the annual event.  

Items that are not eligible include batteries for cars or boats, camping stoves and camping supplies, chainsaws, plywood, extension ladders and stepladders, and tents.

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What qualifies for Texas’s Emergency Preparation Supplies Sales Tax Holiday?

According to the Texas Comptroller’s Office, the following items qualify:

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

The Comptroller's Office notes that items like soap and hand sanitizer that are labeled with a "Drug Facts" panel in accordance with FDA regulations are always exempt from sales tax.

Sales tax holiday includes online purchases

The tax-free weekend doesn't just include in-store purchases. It applies to purchases made by any means including online, by phone, mail or custom order.

If your purchase requires a delivery fee, note that it can affect the item's eligibility if the final sales price is above the price limit. For example, if you buy an ax for $72, but the shipping is $5, you will need to pay sales tax because the total price is above the $75 limit.

Additionally, an item is still eligible even if it will be delivered after the tax-free weekend, as long the purchase is made during the sales tax holiday.

However, if your card gets declined on a purchase made during the sales tax holiday, and you don't resubmit your payment until after the event, then you will be charged tax.

For a full list of rules and more information, click here.

ConsumerTexas