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Richmond, Va. 23218-1115
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          HURRICANE PREPAREDNESS SALES TAX HOLIDAY
Hurricane Preparedness Sales Tax Holiday Kicks Off May 25

Virginia is no stranger to hurricanes, tornadoes, tropical storms, earthquakes and flooding. That's why the Hurricane Preparedness Sales Tax Holiday is a great time to prepare for emergencies while saving some money at the same time.

The sales tax holiday runs Monday, May 25 through Sunday, May 31, and exempts 22 categories of items from the state and local retail sales tax. The exempt items include batteries, flashlights, bottled water, tarps, duct tape, fire extinguishers, cell-phone chargers, smoke detectors, buckets, rope and first aid kits. As long as each item costs $60 or less, it is tax-exempt.

Last year, gas-powered chainsaws, priced at $350 or less, were added to the list of tax-exempt items, along with chainsaw accessories that cost $60 or less. Portable generators and inverters costing $1,000 or less are also exempt during the sales tax holiday.

While all Virginia retailers who sell the tax-exempt items are required to participate in the sales tax holiday, retailers may also choose to pay the sales tax themselves on any non-exempt items and pass the savings on to customers.

Visit the Department of Taxation's website for a complete list of tax-exempt products, answers to frequently asked questions, and guidelines for consumers and retailers.