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From Friday, Feb. 25, to Sunday, Feb. 27, Alabama will observe its 11th annual Severe Weather Preparedness Sales Tax Holiday. The Alabama Retail Association encourages Alabamians to restock emergency supplies in homes, workplaces and vehicles during this three-day tax holiday. Certain emergency preparedness items will be exempt from the state’s 4% state sales tax, and in some cities and counties, local taxes are waived on those items as well. The tax holiday means shoppers can save as much as 10% on these items in some areas of the state.
Lee County particiaptes in this event.
From 12:01 a.m. Feb. 25 to midnight Feb. 27, the tax-exempt items include the following priced at $60 or less:
- Flashlights, lanterns
- Battery-powered or hand-crank radio
- Batteries
- First-aid kits
- Cell phone charger
- Two-way radios
- Manual can openers
- Tarps and plastic sheeting
- Duct tape
- Fire extinguishers
Tie-down kits, bungee cords or rope.
Other tax-free items include: Coolers, ice packs, plywood, window film and smoke/fire/carbon monoxide detectors. Portable generators and power cords costing $1,000 or less are also tax free.
Full list of tax-free items visit: www.alabamaretail.org/resources/salestaxholidays/severe-weather-preparedness/
Severe weather preparedness sales tax holiday page at alabamaretail.org
Alabama is one of only two states with a severe weather preparedness sales tax holiday in 2022; the other state is Texas.
“Severe weather can occur at any time, in any season,” said Alabama Retail President Rick Brown. “The tax holiday helps Alabama consumers remember to stock and prepare emergency kits to be ready when storms strike.”
Earlier this month, Alabama experienced a deadly EF-2 tornado that tracked through Greene and Hale counties, plus the state experienced snow in early and mid January.
Local hardware stores are prepared to serve their communities in the event of a natural disaster.
Alabama Retail recommends having enough supplies in emergency kits to last 72 hours following a disaster. For information on what items to include in emergency kits, as well as steps to take before and after disasters, visit www.ready.gov.