As the hurricane season approaches with a start date of June 1, many residents are gearing up to take advantage of the upcoming tax-free holiday. This particular weekend, spanning from Saturday, April 27 to Monday, April 29, is a prime opportunity for individuals to stock up on essential emergency preparation supplies without the burden of taxes.
Preparing Early: Advice from Experts
Angel Solis, a seasoned associate at Sutherlands, highlights the importance of preparing early for the hurricane season. This weekend, shoppers can invest in various emergency items, from portable generators to first aid kits. Solis emphasizes the need to act swiftly. “You want to make sure that you start preparing now. It just makes it much better and easier,” he advises. According to Solis, not all items are eligible for the tax exemption, including camping and cleaning supplies and plywood, which are missing from the tax-free list.
Tax-Free Eligible Items: What Can You Buy?
The tax exemption covers a variety of essential items. For those looking to prepare for power outages or emergencies, portable generators costing less than $3,000 are tax-free. Other critical supplies under $300 include emergency ladders and hurricane shutters, which are crucial for protecting homes during fierce storms.
For less than $75, shoppers can purchase a plethora of valuable items:
- Axes and hatchets for clearing debris.
- Various batteries, including AAA, AA, C cell, D cell, 6 and 9 volts, are crucial for powering devices.
- Non-electric can openers, carbon monoxide detectors, and coolers or ice chests for food storage.
- Fire extinguishers and first aid kits to handle minor emergencies.
- Fuel containers, ground anchor systems, and tie-down kits to secure property.
- Reusable ice products and portable, self-powered light sources such as candles, flashlights, and lanterns.
- Mobile telephone batteries, chargers, and radios include two-way and weather band functions.
- Essential safety equipment like smoke detectors, tarps, and plastic sheeting.
Items Excluded from the Tax-Free List?
Despite the extensive list of tax-exempt items, some products do not qualify for the tax break. These include:
- Medical and face masks, various gloves, and toilet paper.
- Automotive batteries, camping stoves, chainsaws, and extension and step ladders.
- Tents and repair or replacement parts for emergency preparation supplies.
Shop Smart: Inventory and Planning
Solis notes that if an item sells out during the tax-free weekend, the store can order it for customers while applying the tax exemption. This flexibility ensures that residents can fully benefit from the savings while adequately preparing for the hurricane season.
The tax-free holiday presents a valuable opportunity for residents to prepare efficiently and economically for the upcoming hurricane season. By planning and purchasing necessary supplies, individuals can ensure they are ready to face any emergency with resilience and confidence.