Sales tax holiday for severe weather needs starts Friday

Batteries and weather radios are only a couple of items covered during Alabama’s Sales Tax Holiday for Severe Weather Preparedness on Feb. 20-22. (RECORD PHOTO/GREGG PARKER)

MADISON – Residents can save money this weekend during Alabama’s Sales Tax Holiday for Severe Weather Preparedness.

2015 marks the fourth year that Alabama is allowing shoppers to purchase certain supplies to maintain normal routines or to recover from damage in case of weather catastrophes, like tornadoes.

The tax holiday runs from 12:01 a.m. on Feb. 20 through midnight on Feb. 22. Retailers are not allowed to charge sales tax on items that are legally tax-exempt.

The exemption covers approved merchandise that costs $60 or less per item. Most types of cell batteries are included, including AAA, AA, C and D size and 6- and 9-volt. However, coin batteries and automobile and boat batteries are not included.

Consumers will not pay sales tax on cellular phone batteries and chargers. Most portable radios are exempt for sales tax, including self- or battery-powered, two-way, weatherband and National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) weather radios. Portable, self-powered light sources, such as battery-powered flashlights, lanterns or emergency glow sticks, also qualify.

Supplies for disaster recovery are exempt, including tarpaulins and sheeting, bungee cords or rope, tiedown kits, duct tape, plywood to protect window coverings, along with non-electric food storage coolers or water storage containers.

Residents also won’t pay sales tax on ‘artificial’ or ‘reusable’ ice, a self-contained first-aid kit, fire extinguishers, smoke or carbon monoxide detectors and gasoline or diesel fuel tanks.

In addition, a single purchase of $1,000 or less is acceptable for any portable generator and power cords used to provide light or communications or preserve food during a power outage. For a complete list of items exempt from sales tax, visit revenue.alabama.gov/salestax/WPSalesTaxHol.cfm

For more information, call 334-242-1490 or 866-576-6531 or visit revenue.alabama.gov.