Texas Emergency Prep Supplies tax-free weekend begins

BROWNSVILLE, Texas (ValleyCentral) — Emergency supplies sales tax-free weekend kicks off on Saturday.

Effective Saturday at 12:01 a.m. and continues through Monday at midnight all emergency supplies are sales tax-free in Texas.

These emergency preparation supplies qualify for tax exemption if purchased for a sales price:

• Less than $3,000- Portable Generators
• Less than $300- Emergency ladders and hurricane shutters
• Less than $75- Axes, batteries, single or multipack (AAA, AA, C, D, 6 volt or 9 volt), can openers- nonelectric, carbon monoxide detectors, coolers and ice chests for food storage- nonelectric, fire extinguishers, first aid kits, fuel containers, ground anchor systems and tie-down kits, hatchets, ice products- reusable and artificial, light sources- portable self-powered (including battery operated) candles, flashlights, lanterns, mobile telephone batteries and mobile telephone chargers, radios- portable self-powered (including battery operated) two-way and weather band radios, smoke detectors and tarps and other plastic sheeting.

"I encourage all residents to prepare now for hurricane season, which begins June 1st," said Cameron County Judge Eddie Trevino Jt. "Take advantage of the sales tax-free holiday to stock up on emergency supplies. Make an emergency plan and get your home ready before any windstorms hit South Texas."

Visit the website to view the qualifying list of items, supplies that do not qualify for the tax exemption and information regarding online purchases and telephone orders.

There are no limits to the number of qualifying items you can purchase and no exception certificates needed.