The state of Texas holds a sales tax holiday each year over the Memorial Day weekend. The sales tax exemption applies to Energy Star appliances purchased during the three days (Saturday, May 23 through Monday, May 25 in 2009) of the tax-free weekend, on the labor required to install them, and on the delivery, shipping, or handling charges.
Note: The tax-free shopping weekend for clothes, shoes, and students' backpacks is held in mid-August.
Retailers will not collect sales tax on:
- air conditioners priced under $6000 (room and central units)
- clothes washers (but not clothes dryers)
- ceiling fans
- dehumidifiers
- dishwashers
- light bulbs (incandescent and fluorescent)
- programmable thermostats
- refrigerators priced under $2000
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.
There is no limit to the number of items purchased tax-free over the weekend and no exemption certificate is required. A more detailed list of rules and exemptions is available on the state of Texas web site. Sales tax varies according to locality. Potential savings: $6.25 to $8.25 for every $100 spent.