Texas tax-free weekend 2026: Emergency supplies that qualify

It's officially severe weather season in Texas, and now is the time to be proactive rather than reactive. Texans have the chance to stock up on tax-free emergency supplies this weekend.

The state’s annual Emergency Preparation Supplies Sales Tax Holiday runs from 12:01 a.m. Saturday, April 25 and ends at midnight Monday, April 27.

During the tax holiday, there is no limit on how many qualifying items you may purchase, according to the Texas Comptroller. You also won’t need to present an exemption certificate at the time of the purchase.

Acting Texas Comptroller Kelly Hancock reminded Texans of the tax holiday in a press release.

“From hailstorms to hurricanes, Texans know the importance of being prepared when bad weather hits,” Hancock said. “This sales tax holiday provides a great opportunity to stock up on supplies and save a little money while you’re at it.”

Texans are expected to save around $2.4 million in state and local sales taxes this weekend, the Comptroller’s office estimates.

What qualifies as emergency supplies for Texas' tax free weekend?

The Texas Comptroller lists the following qualifying items for the April tax holiday:

Less than $75

• Axes
• Batteries, single or multipack (AAA cell, AA cell, C cell, D cell, 6 volt or 9 volt)
• Nonelectric can openers
• Carbon monoxide detectors
• Nonelectric coolers and ice chests for food storage
• Fire extinguishers
• First aid kits
• Fuel containers
• Ground anchor systems and tie-down kits
• Hatchets
• Ice products (reusable and artificial)
• Portable self-powered light sources (including battery-operated) such as candles, flashlights and lanterns
• Cell phone batteries and chargers
• Portable self-powered radios (including battery-operated, two-way and weather band radios)
• Smoke detectors
• Tarps and other plastic sheeting

Less than $300

• Emergency ladders
• Hurricane shutters

Less than $3,000

• Portable generators

Many over-the-counter self-care items are always exempt from sales tax if they have a “Drug Facts” label in accordance with the federal Food and Drug Administration (FDA) regulations. These include antibacterial hand sanitizer, soap, spray and wipes.

What does NOT qualify as emergency supplies for Texas' tax free weekend?

Not all items you might use in an emergency are included in this weekend’s tax holiday. Here are some items the Texas Comptroller says do not qualify for tax exemption:

• Medical and face masks
• Cleaning supplies such as disinfectants and bleach wipes
• Gloves including leather, fabric, latex and types used in healthcare
• Toilet paper
• Batteries for cars, boats and other motor vehicles
• Camping stoves
• Camping supplies
• Chainsaws
• Plywood
• Extension ladders
• Stepladders
• Tents
• Repair or replacement parts for emergency preparation supplies
• Services related to emergency preparation supplies

Does the Texas tax holiday include online purchases?

Yes, the tax holiday includes online purchases if the sale of qualifying items is processed during the tax holiday period. This is true even if the items are shipped and arrive at later dates. However, the tax exemption will not be applied if payment is declined and the resubmission occurs after the holiday has ended.

Also be aware that additional charges like delivery, shipping, handling and transportation may disqualify items. If an item exceeds the maximum amount with these charges, the tax exemption no longer applies. The Texas Comptroller site explains: “For example, you purchase a rescue ladder for $299 with a $10 delivery charge, for a total sales price of $309. Because the total sales price of the ladder is more than $300, tax is due on the $309 sales price.”