Austin, TX – Senator Juan "Chuy" Hinojosa wants to remind Texans that the Sales Tax Holiday for Water-Efficient and ENERGY STAR® products will take place during Memorial Day weekend, beginning Saturday, May 25, through Monday, May 27. This weekend, Texans can purchase water-efficient and water-conserving products, as well as ENERGY STAR® energy-efficient products, without paying a sales tax.

In 2015, Senator Hinojosa authored and passed SB 1356 to add water-efficient products to the already existing tax free weekend for energy-efficient products to incentivize consumers statewide to make smart choices in conserving water and energy. These products save consumers money and reduce consumption rates for our state's valuable resources.

Senator Hinojosa issued the following statement:

"The best time to prepare for extreme heat and drought is before it happens. I was proud to pass legislation in 2015 that saves Texas families money as they purchase the products necessary to upgrade their water and energy systems. This tax free weekend is estimated to save our hard-working Texans almost $15 million in state and local sales tax. I urge everyone to take advantage of the tax holiday this weekend and spread awareness about the importance of water and energy conservation.”

The Water-Efficient Products Sales Tax Holiday applies to shower heads, bathroom sink faucets, and toilets. It also applies to lawn and garden products that help conserve water outdoors, like soaker or drip-irrigation hoses, moisture controls for sprinkler or irrigation systems, rain barrels, mulch, plants, trees, and grasses. The following link to the Texas Comptroller's webpage will provide more information: https://comptroller.texas.gov/taxes/publications/98-1018.php

During the ENERGY STAR Sales Tax Holiday, certain energy-efficient products displaying the ENERGY STAR logo can be purchased tax free, including air conditioners priced at $6,000 or less, refrigerators priced at $2,000 or less, ceiling fans, fluorescent light bulbs, dishwashers, dehumidifiers, and clothes washers. The following link to the Texas Comptroller’s webpage will provide more information: https://comptroller.texas.gov/taxes/publications/96-1331.php

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