Hurricane sales tax holiday this weekend

Published 12:00 am Monday, June 1, 2009

By ROBIN SHANNON
L’Observateur

LAPLACE — River Parishes residents looking to stock up on supplies in preparation for the 2009 hurricane season are encouraged to do so this weekend thanks to a statewide sales tax holiday on emergency preparedness materials.

Starting this morning at 12:01 a.m., shoppers can purchase specified emergency supplies free of the 4 percent state sales tax in preparation for the 2009 hurricane season, which begins Monday, June 1. The tax exemption will apply to the first $1,500 of the sales price on purchases made today through 11:59 p.m. Sunday.

The tax holiday only applies to the four-percent state tax. All parish and municipal taxes will still be collected this weekend.

According to the Louisiana Department of Revenue, the following items qualify for the sales tax exemption: self-powered light sources, such as flashlights and candles; portable self-powered radios, two-way radios, and weather-band radios; tarpaulins, flexible waterproof sheeting, round anchor systems and tie-down kits; gas or diesel fuel tanks; batteries — AAA, AA, C, D, 6-volt, or 9-volt (automobile batteries and boat batteries are not eligible); cellular phone batteries and chargers; non-electric food storage coolers and blue ice products; portable generators and storm shutter devices — materials and products manufactured, rated, and marketed specifically for the purposes of preventing window damage from storms.

The holiday applies to rain checks and items in layaway, but does not extend to items and supplies purchased at airports, public lodging establishments, hotels, convenience stores or entertainment complexes.

A measure passed during the 2007 regular session of the Louisiana Legislature enacted the annual state sales tax holiday on sales of hurricane-preparedness items or supplies. The holiday is permanently scheduled for the last Saturday and Sunday of May.