Alabama’s annual Severe Weather Preparedness Sales Tax Holiday provides Alabama citizens with a fantastic opportunity to purchase essential emergency products without state sales tax. The tax-free shopping period allows buyers to purchase valuable items available on hand in preparation for inclement weather conditions such as hurricanes, tornadoes, and storms.
The 14th annual sales tax holiday will run from 12:01 a.m. Friday, February 21, 2025, to midnight Sunday, February 23, 2025. Alabama citizens may buy qualified emergency supplies during the time without paying the state’s four-percent sales tax. Some municipalities and counties also exempt their local sales tax, making it an even more attractive deal for consumers.
What items are eligible for the tax exemption?
The sales tax holiday covers a range of items that are essential for emergency preparedness. Consumers can purchase these items tax-free, provided that the cost of each item does not exceed $60. Eligible items include:
- Flashlights and lanterns
- Batteries
- Weather radios
- Tarps and plastic sheeting
- First aid kits
- Portable self-powered light sources
- Fire extinguishers
- Smoke detectors and carbon monoxide detectors
Additionally, generators priced at $1,000 or less are also included in the tax exemption, allowing homeowners and businesses to invest in backup power solutions in preparation for severe weather conditions.
For a full list of tax-free and taxable items, a quick reference guide is available for consumers and retailers. Shoppers can use this guide to ensure they are making tax-exempt purchases and avoid confusion at the checkout.
How local governments and retailers participate
As the state voluntarily exempts its four-percent sales tax for the weekend in question, local governments—municipalities and counties—can also choose to participate. They can pass a resolution or ordinance at least 30 days before the event exempting the same eligible items from local sales taxes. Customers need to check with their local government to determine if additional tax exemptions are available in their community.
Retailers also play a key role in promoting and advertising the sales tax holiday. A printable PDF promotional poster can be downloaded and displayed in stores to inform consumers of the tax-free weekend. Additionally, a quick reference guide can be posted near cash registers so that employees and customers can easily glance at what items are exempt from tax.
Where to shop for emergency supplies
Local hardware stores across Alabama are excellent sources of emergency preparedness supplies. Some well-known retailers participating in past sales tax holidays include:
- Planters Hardware – Ashland
- Andrews ACE Hardware – Chatom
- Greenville Hardware – Greenville
- Mary Carter Store – Cullman
- Rocky Ridge Hardware – Vestavia Hills
- Consolidated Ace Hardware – Dothan and Ozark
- Holley True Value – Selma
Shoppers are encouraged to visit these and other participating stores to take advantage of the sales tax holiday and stock up on essential items before severe weather strikes.
Final thoughts
Alabama’s Severe Weather Preparedness Sales Tax Holiday is an important annual event that saves residents money while they have the materials they need to ride out emergencies. Whether purchasing batteries, weather radios, or even a generator, this tax holiday weekend is a great motivation to be prepared for unexpected storms. To save the most, consumers need to call their local government for additional tax exemptions and shop at participating stores. Mark down February 21-23, 2025, as a date and take advantage of this time to prepare for harsh weather without being charged extra sales tax.
