Generators, batteries tax free this weekend in Texas

TYLER, Texas (KLTV) - Texas shoppers can save on key emergency supplies during the state’s Emergency Preparation Supplies Sales Tax Holiday, running Saturday through Monday.

The annual event waives state and local sales tax on a range of disaster-prep items as Texans head into severe weather season.

“In Texas, the weather is just unpredictable,” said Kevin Lyons, spokesperson for the Texas Comptroller’s Office Lyons, noting threats can include fires, tornadoes and flooding.

Qualifying items include emergency generators priced under $3,000; emergency ladders and hurricane shutters under $300; and smaller household preparedness items, such as batteries, priced under $75. There is no limit on the number of eligible items shoppers can buy.

Tyler resident Gerald Munoz said he may take advantage of the sales tax holiday.

“It’s really good for people to go out and get their stuff that they need so they’ll be safe,” Munoz said.

Gas and Supply in Tyler is one of the many retailers taking part, selling fuel containers to help during the unexpected.

“We get a big outage from a storm, people need the bottles and gas for the generators,” said John Minton, manager at Gas and Supply.

Lyons said the Comptroller’s Office estimates Texans saved a little more than $2 million during last year’s holiday and expects savings of about $2.4 million this year.

While the holiday was created in 2015, retailers must program their systems to remove the tax. If shoppers are incorrectly charged, they can request a refund from the retailer or download a refund form via the Comptroller’s website.