Alabama offers time to prepare for storms tax-free

Special to the Enquirer

From Feb. 25-27, Alabama will observe its 11th annual Severe Weather Preparedness Sales Tax Holiday.

The Alabama Retail Association encourages Alabamians to restock emergency supplies in homes, workplaces and vehicles during this three-day tax holiday. Certain emergency preparedness items will be exempt from the state's 4 percent state sales tax, and in some cities and counties, local taxes are waived on those items as well. The tax holiday means shoppers can save as much as 10 percent on these items in some areas of the state.

From 12:01 a.m. Feb. 25 to midnight Feb. 27, the tax-exempt items include the following priced at $60 or less:

* Flashlights and lanterns

* Battery-powered and hand-crank radio

* Batteries

* First-aid kits

* Cell phone chargers

* Two-way radios

* Manual can openers

* Tarps and plastic sheeting

* Duct tape

* Fire extinguishers

* Tie-down kits, bungee cords and rope

* Coolers and ice packs

* Plywood and window film

* Smoke/fire/carbon monoxide detectors

Portable generators and power cords costing $1,000 or less are also tax free.

Alabama is one of two states with a severe weather preparedness sales tax holiday in 2022, the other being Texas.

"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."

Alabama Retail recommends having enough supplies in emergency kits to last 72 hours following a disaster. For information on what items to include in emergency kits, as well as steps to take before and after disasters, visit ready.gov.

Learn more at alabamaretail.org/salestaxholidays.