During Memorial Day weekend, Texas shoppers can get a break from state and local sales and use taxes on purchases of certain energy-efficient products. The 2012 ENERGY STAR sales tax holiday begins at 12:01 a.m. (after midnight) on Saturday, May 26, 2012 and ends at 11:59 p.m. on Monday, May 28, 2011 (Memorial Day).
The products qualifying for the exemption are:
- Air conditioners priced at $6,000 or less
- Refrigerators priced at $2,000 or less
- Ceiling fans
- Incandescent and fluorescent light bulbs
- Clothes washers*
- Dishwashers
- Dehumidifiers
- Programmable thermostats**
* Because most dryers use similar amounts of energy, ENERGY STAR does not label clothes dryers.
** ENERGY STAR specification of programmable thermostats was suspended on December 31, 2009; however, any existing stock of ENERGY STAR labeled programmable thermostats offered for sale by retailers is still eligible for the exemption.
All qualifying products will display the Energy Star logo on the product or its packaging. Only the products listed will be eligible for the exemption. Other products not on the list are not eligible even though they may have an Energy Star designation.
If you aren't a fan of crowds, you can use the internet to make your tax-free purchases during approved dates and hours.
Questions? Call the State Comptroller's office for questions regarding sales and use tax at 800-252-5555.
See Suggested Reading below for info on Tax-Free Shopping for clothes, shoes and school supplies.
