May 14, 2010

With at least some meteorologists predicting an intense hurricane season this year, May is the perfect time to stock up on supplies you may need to prepare for an emergency.

Fortunately, Virginia’s Hurricane Preparedness Sales Tax Holiday is just around the corner, and can help you save money on those emergency items – and on some everyday items as well.

The Hurricane Preparedness Sales Tax Holiday begins Tuesday, May 25, and runs through Monday, May 31. During this week, items like batteries, flashlights, bottled water, and first aid kits priced at $60 or less, as well as some bigger-ticket items like generators priced at $1,000 or less, will be exempt from the 5 percent state and local sales tax.

For a full list of eligible products, answers to frequently asked questions and guidelines for consumers and retailers, visit the “Sales Tax Holiday” website.

“Once again, Virginians should prepare themselves for what could be another damaging hurricane season,” said Tax Commissioner Janie Bowen. “We know by experience that powerful hurricanes don’t always sidestep Virginia. It’s smart to shop early, before hurricane season begins on June 1, and why not save some money at the same time?”

During this seven-day period, retailers may also choose to pay the sales tax themselves on any nonexempt items and pass the 5 percent savings on to their customers.

Virginia also has sales tax holidays for school supplies and clothing, which this year is Aug. 6-8, and for Energy Star and WaterSense products, from Oct. 8-11.