AUSTIN, TX — This coming weekend is the first ever Texas Sales Tax Holiday on Emergency Preparation Supplies. Beginning Saturday, April 23 through midnight on Monday, April 25, Texans can purchase emergency supplies and hurricane-proofing materials without paying a sales tax.

This past legislative session, Senator Juan "Chuy" Hinojosa authored and passed SB 904 to create this tax free weekend for consumers all over the state to be better prepared for weather events or disasters, including hail storms, hurricanes, floods, wildfires, and more.

Senator Hinojosa issued the following statement:
"As Texas is currently experiencing heavy rains and dangerous flooding, it is appropriate timing and an important reminder that all of us need to be prepared for a potential weather-related emergency. I'm proud to have passed legislation to help our families statewide get a tax break as they prepare for severe weather, floods, hail storms, or other emergencies.

The tax free weekend is also an incentive for Texans to better protect their lives and property during and after a potential weather emergency. By raising public awareness about the importance of mitigation and being prepared, we can prevent potential tragedies.

I encourage our hard-working Texas families to take full advantage of this new tax holiday by buying as many items as your family needs to be best prepared for weather-related events."

Tax free items include certain portable generators and hurricane shutters, as well as smaller emergency and storm preparedness items such as weather radios, rope ladders, smoke detectors, fire extinguishers, and first aid kits. There is no limit on the number of qualifying items you can purchase. The following link to the Texas Comptroller's webpage will provide more information:

http://comptroller.texas.gov/taxinfo/taxpubs/tx98_1017.html

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