(AUSTIN) —
Texas families can save on the purchase of certain water- and energy-efficient products during the state’s Water-Efficient Products and ENERGY STAR sales tax holidays. Both take place on Saturday, May 27, through Monday, May 29.
The Texas Comptroller of Public Accounts estimates shoppers will save an estimated $10.2 million in state and local sales tax during the Memorial Day weekend sales tax holidays.
“Outdated water systems and inefficient appliances can put a tremendous strain on our water supplies and power grids,” Texas Comptroller Glenn Hegar said. “By taking advantage of these sales tax holidays, Texans can make upgrades that will help alleviate those pressures and lower their utility bills — all while saving money on state and local sales taxes.”
This is the second year for the Water-Efficient Products Sales Tax Holiday. Products that display a WaterSense
label or logo can be purchased tax-free for personal or business use. These include showerheads, bathroom sink faucets and accessories, toilets, urinals and landscape irrigation controls.
label or logo can be purchased tax-free for personal or business use. These include showerheads, bathroom sink faucets and accessories, toilets, urinals and landscape irrigation controls.The sales tax holiday also applies to water-conserving products used or planted for conserving or retaining groundwater, recharging water tables or decreasing ambient air temperature to limit water evaporation. Items qualifying for the exemption include soaker or drip-irrigation hoses; moisture controls for a sprinkler or irrigation system; mulch; and plants, trees and grasses. These items can only be purchased tax-free for residential use.
There is no limit to the number of water-efficient or water-conserving products you can purchase. Go to the Comptroller’s website for more information on the Water-Efficient Products Sales Tax Holiday
During the ENERGY STAR Sales Tax Holiday, the following energy-efficient products that display the ENERGY STAR logo can be purchased tax-free: programmable thermostats; air conditioners priced at $6,000 or less; refrigerators priced at $2,000 or less; ceiling fans; fluorescent light bulbs; dishwashers; dehumidifiers; and clothes washing machines (but not dryers). Go to the Comptroller’s website for more ENERGY STAR Sales Tax Holiday details.
Estimated annual energy and water savings for eligible products are listed below.
ENERGY STAR Appliance vs. Conventional
Appliance Type
Energy Savings
Water Savings
Central Air Conditioners
8%
Room/Window Air Conditioners
9%
Refrigerators
9%
Ceiling Fans
60%
Compact Fluorescent Light Bulbs
80%
Clothes Washers
25%
45%
Dish Washers
12%
30%
Dehumidifiers
30%
Programmable Thermostats
7%
Source: U.S. Department of Energy, U.S. Environmental Protection Agency
