Madison plans sales tax holiday for weather preparedness

Madison Mayor Troy Trulock (RECORD PHOTO)

MADISON – For the third consecutive year, the City of Madison will participate in the Severe Weather Preparedness Tax Holiday in February.Mayor Troy Trulock said the city has honored the tax waiver since Alabama started the program. A county or municipality that wants to participate must submit its adopted resolution or ordinance to the Alabama Department of Revenue before Jan. 21.

In 2014, the tax holiday will begin at 12:01 a.m. on Feb. 21 and ends at midnight on Feb. 23. “You basically have three days to buy supplies for severe weather without paying sales tax,” Trulock said.

The weekend “will bring awareness about severe weather and preparedness. All of us that experienced the tornadoes of April 2011 and again in 2012” realize the importance of planning ahead, Trulock said.

In addition, local businesses will benefit from the sales tax holiday. Residents can buy merchandise ranging from duct tape to a portable generator, costing less than $1,000, and power cords for lighting, communications or food preservation during a power outage.

“Generators tend to be hot topics,” Trulock said. “Residents can buy lots of items, like batteries (in all sizes), cell phone batteries and chargers and portable weather radios. Plywood and other items can help in the recovery process.”

Tax-except items for $60 or less include portable self-powered light sources, like flashlights and lanterns; tarpaulins; plastic sheeting and drop cloths; and non-electric food storage coolers, can openers or water storage containers.

The department of revenue lists “artificial ice, blue ice, ice packs and reusable ice.”

A ground anchor system, like bungee cords or rope, or a tie-down kit also will be exempt from sales tax. Other items are a self-contained first-aid kit, fire extinguisher, detectors for smoke and carbon monoxide and tanks for containers for gas or diesel fuel.

For more information, visit revenue.alabama.gov.