Retailers across Alabama are stocking their shelves with emergency supplies as the state’s main severe weather season draws near.
To help residents save money on essentials for their homes and businesses, several cities and counties will waive sales and use tax on eligible items from 12:01 a.m. Feb. 24 until midnight Feb. 26. Click here to see if your city or county will participate.
Alabama is one of only two states with a severe weather preparedness sales tax holiday. The sixth-annual event will allow shoppers to save as much as 10 percent on certain items in some areas of the state.
“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.”
The following list includes products that will be tax-free:
Items that have a sales price of $60 or less per item:
- Batteries: AAA-cell batteries, AA-cell batteries, C-cell batteries, D-cell batteries, 6-volt batteries, 9-volt batteries. (NOTE: coin batteries, automobile batteries, and boat batteries are not exempt.)
- Cellular phone battery
- Cellular phone charger
- Portable self-powered or battery-powered radio, two-way radio, weather-band radio or NOAA weather radio
- Portable self-powered light source, including battery-powered flashlights, lanterns, or emergency glow sticks
- Tarpaulin, plastic sheeting, plastic drop cloths, and other flexible, waterproof sheeting
- Ground anchor system, such as bungee cords or rope, or tie-down kits
- Duct tape
- Plywood, window film or other materials specifically designed to protect window coverings
- Non-electric food storage cooler or water storage container
- Non-electric can opener
- Artificial ice, blue ice, ice packs, reusable ice
- Self-contained first aid kit
- Fire extinguisher
- Smoke detector
- Carbon monoxide detector
- Gas or diesel fuel tank or container
Items that have a sales price of $1,000 or less:
- Portable generators and power cords