Published: 05-22-08
McAllen - State Representative Veronica Gonzales (D-McAllen) announced that a sales tax holiday for energy-efficient products will take place during the Memorial Day weekend May 24-26. Texas consumers will get a break from state and local sales and use taxes on a variety of energy-efficient products including household appliances.
Anticipating the higher summer energy bills now is a great time to invest in energy-saving appliances Gonzales said. Appliances that have earned the Energy Star label from the U.S. Department of Energy and the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency use 10-50 percent less energy and water than other models.
Purchasing energy efficient appliances during the holiday tax-free weekend makes both environmental and economic sense said Gonzales. It is an opportunity to combine both the immediate tax savings on purchases and the long-term savings on energy bills for years to come.
The holiday applies to Energy Star-rated products certified by the US Department of Energy. Products eligible for exemption from sales tax May 24-26 include refrigerators priced less than $2000 dishwashers clothes washers compact fluorescent light bulbs ceiling fans dehumidifiers programmable thermostats and air conditioners not exceeding $6000. Delivery and installation charges may also qualify for the exemption depending on the appliance.
For a detailed list of exempted products and a list of Frequently Asked Questions about the sales tax holiday visit:
http://www.window.state.tx.us/taxinfo/sales/faq_energystar.html
