From The Trussville Tribune staff reports
MONTGOMERY — The state of Alabama will observe the Severe Weather Preparedness Sales Tax Holiday from Friday, Feb. 21 to Sunday, Feb. 23, 2020.
Consumers are encouraged to purchase emergency supplies for homes, workplaces and vehicles during the three-day holiday.
The state will exempt certain items from the state’s 4% sales tax. Some cities and counties will also participate by waiving local taxes as well. Cities and counties participating are listed online.
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. A full list is accessible online.
Texas and Virginia are also participating in the sales tax holiday.
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 ready.gov.