Emergency Preparation Supplies Tax Holiday Allows Texas Residents to Buy Most Generators Sales Tax Free - Generator Mart

Overview of the Texas Disaster Preparation Sales Tax Holiday

Every year, the Republic of Texas holds a tax-free weekend in April for residents to purchase supplies to prepare themselves for the upcoming hurricane season.  This special period allows Texas residents to purchase a variety of different disaster supplies without paying the usual sales tax on the items.  This year (2021), the Texas Emergency Preparation Supplies Sales Tax Holiday will be from April 24 to April 26, 2021.

In 2021, the Texas Disaster Preparation Sales Tax holiday applies to the following items:

• Less than $3000
  • Portable generators
• Less than $300
  • Emergency ladders
  • Hurricane shutters
• Less than $75
  • Axes
  • Batteries, single or multipack (AAA cell, AA cell, C cell, D cell, 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)
  • Examples of items include: candles, flashlights and lanterns
  • Mobile telephone batteries and mobile telephone chargers
  • Radios – portable self-powered (including battery operated) – includes two-way and weather band radios
  • Smoke detectors
  • Tarps and other plastic sheeting

Important considerations for consumers

The Texas Comptroller has stated that online sales of disaster preparedness supplies qualify for the tax exemption in 2021 if (1) the Texan pays for the items during the period and (2) the item(s) are available for immediate shipment.  This means that resellers that have backordered generators may have to charge you tax, even if you purchase it during the exempt period.

Additionally, according to the Comptroller, “here is no limit on the number of qualifying items you can purchase, and you do not need to give an exemption certificate to claim the exemption.”

Finally, it’s important to note that if additional charges (e.g., delivery) cause the price of an item to exceed the thresholds above, the consumer may be liable for tax on the whole amount.  Generator Mart provides free shipping on most items to most locations, so this should not be an issue when shopping with us.

Portable generators for disaster use

Portable gasoline or dual fuel generators are great additions to any family or businesses emergency preparation kit. They allow the user to quickly and easily generate electricity to power most consumer electronics and appliances.

Considerations for buying a portable generator:

• Start with our overview of the benefits of both portable and home standby generators
• Portable generators can be used for both disasters, and if you buy the right one, recreational activities like RV camping or tailgating.
• Types of portable generators – portable generators come in two main configurations – standard and inverter
  • Standard generators – run at a standard speed to produce electricity, regardless of the draw; generally cheaper per watt but louder
  • Inverter generators – scale engine speed to electrical draw; generally do not produce as much power but are quieter and more fuel efficient
• Sizing a portable generator – like any electrical device, the first step to determining the size generator you need is to determine your electrical requirements. Add up the amps your appliances or equipment will require and then convert the amperage into watts to size your generator.

Portable generators in stock today

Generator Mart is one of the few generator e-commerce companies to keep many portable generators in stock at any given time.  Generator Mart stocks brands like Cummins Onan, DuroMax, M-iT-M, Champion, and Multiquip.  Inventory levels generally vary during storm events or other large power outages.

Suggested generators to keep on hand for disasters:

• Small inverter generator for minor emergency power and camping – Cummins Onan P2500i 2,500w peak inverter generator
• Mid-sized inverter generator for emergencies and recreational use – Cummins Onan P4500i 4500w peak inverter generator
• Large portable generator (under $3000 tax limit) – Champion 12,000w Champion generator
• Very large portable generator (under $3,000 tax limit) – DuroMax XP15000 15,000w portable dual fuel generator

Not legal or tax advice.  Please consult a tax accountant or the Texas Comptroller website for additional information.