2009 Energy Star sales tax holiday taking place Memorial Day weekend

by PegNews wire

In an effort to improve energy efficiency in our state, the Texas legislature passed a bill to create a weekend during which many energy efficient products are exempt from state and local sales and use taxes.

The 2009 Energy Star sales tax holiday occurs on Memorial Day weekend, beginning Saturday, May 23 and ending Monday, May 25.

The products qualifying for the tax exemption are:

* air conditioners priced under $6,000 (room and central units)

* clothes washers (Energy Star ratings are not applied to clothes dryers since there is little difference in the energy used between models)

* ceiling fans

* dehumidifiers

* dishwashers

* light bulbs (incandescent and fluorescent)

* programmable thermostats

* refrigerators priced under $2,000

All qualifying products will display the Energy Star logo. Energy Star is a joint program of the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency and the U.S. Department of Energy. To receive an Energy Star rating, a product must meet strict energy efficiency guidelines.

“This is a great opportunity for Texas consumers who have been considering updating older household appliances,” said Representative Vaught. “Consumers can see immediate savings on the purchase price and continue to save on their utility bills throughout the coming years. The sales tax holiday provides relief to the pocketbooks of working Texas families.”

A tax exemption certificate is not required and there is no limit on the number of products that may be purchased during this sales tax holiday. Internet and catalog purchases are also eligible. Internet and catalog items must be paid for and delivered, or paid for and immediately shipped during the exemption period.

Source: Rep. Allen Vaught