Hurricane season begins Monday, and it’s time to stock up! At least if you do it this weekend you can save a little bit. The state’s annual sales tax holiday for purchases of hurricane preparedness supplies is set for Saturday and Sunday. It’s a 4 % state sales tax for purchases made from 12:01 a.m. Saturday through 11:59 p.m. Local and municipal sales taxes must still be paid.
During the two-day holiday, tax-free purchases are allowed for the first $1,500 of the sales price of each of the following items:
- Self-powered light sources, such as flashlights and candles
- Portable self-powered radios, two-way radios, and weather-band radios
- Tarpaulins or other flexible waterproof sheeting
- Ground anchor systems or tie-down kits
- Gas or diesel fuel tanks
- Batteries – AAA, AA, C, D, 6-volt, or 9-volt (automobile batteries and boat batteries are not eligible)
- Cellular phone batteries and chargers
- Non-electric food storage coolers
- Portable generators
- Storm shutter devices – Materials and products manufactured, rated, and marketed specifically for the purposes of preventing window damage from storms (La. R.S. 47:305.58)
- Carbon monoxide detectors
- Blue ice products
The tax holiday doesn’t extend to items purchased at airports, hotels, convenience stores or entertainment complexes.
For more information, please call the Louisiana Department of Revenue Public Affairs Division at 225-219-2156 or 225-219-2158.
