Sales tax holiday returns this weekend

Special to the Enquirer  

From Feb. 26–28, Alabama will observe the state’s 10th 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-percent 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 percent on these items in some areas of the state. 

From 12:01 a.m. Feb. 26 to midnight Feb. 28, the tax-exempt items include the following priced at $60 or less: 

–Flashlights 

–Lanterns 

–Battery-powered or hand-crank radios 

–Batteries 

–First-aid kits 

–Cell phone chargers 

–Two-way radios 

–Manual can openers 

–Tarps and plastic sheeting 

–Duct tape 

–Fire extinguishers 

–Tie-down kits, bungee cords and 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. 

“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.”