As severe weather season approaches, Alabama residents will for the seventh year enjoy a three-day period during which participating cities and counties waive sales taxes on items that are directly or indirectly related to riding a storm out or otherwise preparing for weather-related disasters.
And, for the seventh straight year, Atmore will not be a part of the special weekend, which will begin at 12:01 a.m. on Friday, February 23, and continue through midnight Sunday, February 25.
State and city sales taxes will also be assessed on purchases made in Brewton, and Escambia County taxes will be assessed at all retailers within the county’s boundaries, whether or not the retailer is located inside a city that is participating in the tax holiday.
Flomaton and East Brewton will each observe the tax holiday, as will Bay Minette and Baldwin County. Neither Monroeville nor Monroe County will observe the tax-free weekend.
Those who shop in participating municipalities or counties can stock up, without the added burden of sales taxes, on common supplies that cost less than $60 and are commonly needed when preparing for a natural disaster or even a general emergency.
Generators costing $1,000 or less can be purchased free of the state’s four-percent sales tax during the three-day tax holiday. Alabama’s local governments wishing to add their tax savings to the holiday may do so by adopting a resolution or ordinance 30 days prior to the sales tax holiday weekend.
These items, each with a cost of $60 or less, are exempt from state and local taxes in participating communities:
* Batteries (except coin, boat or auto batteries)
* Cellular phone batteries and chargers
* Radios: 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 and drop cloths
* Other flexible, waterproof sheeting
* Ground anchor system, such as bungee cords, rope or tie-down kit
* 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
* Blue ice and ice packs
* Self-contained first-aid kit
* Fire extinguisher
* Smoke detector
* Carbon monoxide detector
* Gas or diesel fuel tank or container
Also exempt from state or local taxes in participating communities are portable generators that cost $1,000 or less, as well as power cords used to provide light or communications or preserve food in the event of a power outage.
For more information on Alabama’s Severe Weather Preparedness Sales Tax Holiday, contact the Alabama Department of Revenue at 334-242-1490 or 866-576-6531, Monday through Friday, from 8 a.m. until 5 p.m. (CST).