17+ items you can buy for the upcoming Alabama severe weather preparedness sales tax holiday

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Selma
Selma/Autauga County Tornado damage January12, 2023 (Governor Kay Ivey Office/Flickr)

It is that time of the year again. Dust-off your weather preparedness plan and start building your shopping list for the annual Alabama severe weather preparedness sales tax holiday, beginning Friday, February 23, at 12:01AM and ending Sunday, February 25, at midnight. 

Need help coming up with a list? The Bama Buzz and our sister publication has published several severe weather preparedness stories over the years, including:

The master list

Mississippi/Alabama Tornadoes
(American Red Cross)

According to the good folks at Alabama’s Sales and Use Tax Division these are the items eligible for the tax holiday.

Be aware, depending on where you live, local sales taxes (city & county) might not apply.

Items below $60

The following list contains examples of items covered under the Severe Weather Preparedness holiday. Items that have a sales price of $60 or less per item:

  • Batteries: AAA-cell batteries, AA-cell batteries, C-cell batteries, D-cell batteries, 6-volt batteries, 9-volt batteries. (NOTE: coin batteries, automobile batteries, and boat batteries are not exempt.)
  • Cellular phone battery
  • Cellular phone charger
  • Portable self-powered or battery-powered radio, two-way radio, weather-band 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, and other flexible, waterproof sheeting
  • Ground anchor system, such as bungee cords or rope, or tie-down kits
  • 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

Items that have a sales price of $1,000 or less:

Any portable generator and power cords that can be used to provide light or communications or preserve food in the event of a power.

Not eligible to be purchased? Coin batteries and auto & boat batteries.

Questions? 

If you have any questions about the list contact the Sales and Use Tax Division at 334-242-1490 or 866-576-6531.

Pat Byington
Pat Byington
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