Guns, Appliances, and Storm Supplies: 2013 Sales Tax Holidays

Some states offer sales tax exemptions for back-to-school supplies and clothing every summer, but that’s not the only type of sales tax holiday.

Throughout the year, some states exempt Energy Star appliances or WaterSense products, with the first of these sales tax holidays happening in Maryland this weekend. In time for hurricane season, some coastal states exempt emergency supplies like batteries and self-powered flashlights and portable radios. A couple of states even exempt hunting supplies, including firearms.

If you live in one of the states below, mark the dates on your calendar and check the relevant website to learn exactly which items qualify for a sales tax exemption.

State	Date	Exemption	Details
Alabama	Feb. 22 – 24	Severe-weather preparedness supplies	Website
Georgia*	TBD	Energy Star and WaterSense products	Website
Louisiana	May 25 – 26	Hurricane preparedness supplies	Website
Louisiana	Sept. 6 – 8	Firearms, ammunition, and hunting supplies	Website
Maryland	Feb. 16 – 18	Energy Star products	Website
Missouri	April 19 – 25	Energy Star products	Website
North Carolina	Nov. 1 – 3	Energy Star products	Website
South Carolina**	TBD	Energy Star and WaterSense products	Website
South Carolina	Nov. 29 – 30	Handguns, rifles, and shotguns	Website
Texas	May 25 – 27	Energy Star products	Website
Virginia	May 25 – 31	Hurricane and emergency preparedness equipment	Website
Virginia	Oct. 11 – 14	Energy Star and WaterSense products	Website

*Georgia offered this exemption in October last year but has yet to announce 2013 dates, so check their website when October nears.

**South Carolina just reinstated its sales tax holiday for energy-efficient products last year (October) and has yet to announce 2013 dates.