State to hold sales tax holiday on hurricane supplies

This weekend Louisiana will hold its Hurricane Preparedness Sales Tax Holiday during which time residents will get a discount on state sales tax on supplies that can be used in the event of a hurricane.

The sales tax discount holiday will be held Saturday, May 26 and Sunday, May 27, and will apply to purchases of items such as flashlights, batteries, portable generators and other supplies for hurricane readiness.

During the weekend all purchases made toward eligible items will only be subject to a three-percent sales tax instead of the customary full five percent. According to the Department of Revenue the discount applies only to state sales tax and any local sales taxes will still be in effect, unless the local taxing authority declares otherwise. The local sales tax in Jeff Davis Parish is scheduled to remain in effect during the weekend. The sales tax discount will only apply to the first $1,500 in eligible purchases.

Eligible items for the sales tax holiday will include the following items:

• Any portable self-powered radio, two-way radio or weather band radio

• Any portable self-powered light source; including candles, flashlights and other items designed to provide adequate light

• Any tarpaulin or other flexible waterproof sheeting

• Any ground anchor system or tie-down kit

• Any gas or diesel fuel tank

• Any package of AAAcell, AA-cell, C-cell, D-cell, 6-volt or 9-volt batteries; excluding automobile or boat batteries

• Any non-electric food storage cooler

• Any portable generator used to provide light or communications or preserve food in the event of a power outage

• Any storm shutter device

• Any carbon monoxide detector

• Any reusable freezer pack such as “blue ice.”

The sales tax holiday will not apply to items bought at certain establishments or vendors including those located at any airport, public lodging establishment or hotel, entertainment complex or convenience store.