Alabama is one of three states that have a “severe weather” sales tax holiday. This year the “holiday” is set to start tomorrow (February 22nd) and it runs through Sunday. Unlike Virginia & Louisiana which both occur in the later part of May (to get people ready for Hurricane season), Alabama has chosen the last weekend in February (last year it was in July as it was its first year) because Tornado season kicks off in March.
What’s Included:
Under 810-6-3-.66 the following items are exempt from having to pay sales tax as long as each item or package costs $60 or less:
- All standard types of batteries EXCEPT: coin style or automotive & marine batteries
- Cell phone batteries & chargers
- Crank style, solar powered and battery-powered radios
- Two-way, weather band, and NOAA weather radios (Primer on options & types)
- Battery, Crank or Solar powered flashlights & lanterns
- Glow sticks
- Tarps, plastic sheeting, plastic drop cloths &/or other flexible, waterproof sheeting (Vinyl table clothes as mentioned before are great for your creating your own disaster supply kit)
- Bungee cords, rope, & tie-down kit
- Duct tape – 1001 uses except for on ducts
- Plywood, window film or other materials specifically designed to protect window openings (I wonder how many builders are jumping on this one)
- “Non-electric” food storage cooler or water storage containers
- “Non-electric” can opener
- Reusable ice; i.e. artificial ice, blue ice, ice packs
- “Self contained” First aid kit – i.e. a full kit, not just parts & pieces to refill one
- Fire extinguishers, smoke detector and carbon monoxide detector (Primer on Fire Extinguishers, Primer on Smoke & CO Detectors)
- Gas or diesel fuel tanks or storage containers
One big ticket item that is also exempt from state sales tax is portable generators and power cords if it is a $1,000 or less (per item). One quick caveat, this does not mean that the first $1000 is exempt if you are buying a “larger” one – this only applies to gen-sets sold for a $1000 or less.
A few quick notes:
Last year was interesting in the fact that not to many companies knew about it, nor were they all ready… well that shouldn’t be the case this year & as the “Revenue Department” states… “Retailers are required to participate and may not charge tax on items that are legally tax-exempt during the Sales Tax Holiday. “
Local sales tax may still apply – for a list of all jurisdictions that are participating… Click HERE
While they do not list all the items required to create your own disaster supply kit or to prepare you or your business isn’t offered, they do have some items to help make sure you are ready. If your home or business doesn’t have a carbon monoxide detector or fire extinguisher, now would definitely be a great time to pick some up. If you have been slacking off on replacing your aging smoke / fire detectors why not pick some up now.
Some other interesting “holidays”
- Energy Efficiency is a big hit in Georgia (Oct), Maryland (Feb.), Missouri (April), North Carolina (Nov), Texas (May), & Virginia (Oct) — Georgia’s also includes “water efficiency”
- School &/or Clothing is a very popular one in early August – Alabama, Arkansas, Connecticut, Georgia, Iowa, Louisiana, Maryland, Mississippi (Late July), Maryland, Missouri, New Mexico, North & South Carolina, Tennessee, Texas & Virginia
- Got to love South Carolina (Nov) for its “firearms” tax free holiday & if you really want to get ready for hunting season… Louisiana’s “Second Amendment Sales Tax Holiday” in September is definitely for you
- For a full updated list with links – TaxAdmin.org
