Talladega County residents are encouraged to stock up on emergency supplies during Alabama’s first Severe Weather Preparedness Sales Tax Holiday beginning at 12:01 a.m. on Friday, July 6, and ending at midnight on Sunday, July 8. Bob Crisp/The Daily Home
Alabamians are encouraged to stock up on items that would prove beneficial during a storm or emergency to protect their homes and/or businesses.
After legislation was passed for the sales tax holiday, the Alabama Department of Revenue partnered with the Alabama League of Municipalities and the Alabama Association of County Commissions to help inform all cities and counties of the upcoming holiday.
“The commission agreed to waive the county portion of the tax but state sales tax is waived statewide,” county administrator Wayne Hall said.
Carla Snellgrove, a media representative with the Alabama Department of Revenue said it is not clear yet how the holiday will affect state revenue.
But judging by consumer trends during the state’s already popular back-to-school sales tax holiday, she said state revenues are likely to increase despite the 4 percent state sales tax waiver.
“Traditionally you have customers shopping for exempt items but at the same time they’re making taxable purchases,” Snellgrove said.
“Based on the history there we see revenues generally increasing because shoppers are purchasing taxable items.”
The items covered under the sales tax holiday must cost $60 or less.
They include: AAA-cell batteries, AA-cell batteries, C-cell batteries, D-cell batteries, 6-volt batteries, 9-volt batteries, cellular phone battery, cellular phone charger, portable self-powered or battery-powered radio, two-way radio, weatherband radio or NOAA weather radio, portable self-powered light source, including battery-powered flashlights, lanterns, or emergency glow sticks, tarpaulin, plastic sheeting, plastic drop cloths, other flexible, waterproof sheeting, ground anchor system, such as bungee cords or rope, or tie-down kit, duct tape, plywood, window film or other materials specifically designed to protect window coverings, non-electric food storage cooler or water storage container, non-electric can opener, artificial ice, blue ice, ice packs, reusable ice, self-contained first aid kit, fire extinguisher, smoke detector, carbon monoxide detector, gas or diesel fuel tank or container.
Portable generators and power cords used to provide light, communications or to preserve food in the event of a power outage must cost $1,000 or less.
“This sales tax holiday gives citizens an opportunity to stock up on essential supplies needed before, during and after severe weather. We encourage all citizens to take advantage of this holiday,” said LeighAnn Butler, an emergency management specialist with the Talladega County Emergency Management Agency.
“Thanks to all municipalities within Talladega County for supporting the severe weather preparedness sales tax holiday.”
Beginning next year the sales tax holiday will be held the last full weekend of February.
For more information about the sales tax holiday, call the Talladega County EMA at 256-761-2125.
Contact Aziza Jackson at ajackson@dailyhome.com.
