Alabama holds a severe weather preparedness sales tax holiday every year. During the holiday, shoppers can purchase certain items tax-free. However, exclusions apply, and some local Alabama governments might not participate. Here’s what you need to know to save the most money during the state’s severe weather tax-free weekend in 2024.
When is the Alabama severe weather preparedness sales tax holiday?
Alabama's tax holiday for severe weather preparedness is held the last full weekend in February. For 2024, the holiday runs from 12:01 AM Friday, Feb. 23 to midnight on Sunday, Feb. 25. Residents won’t pay Alabama’s 4% sales tax on eligible items but local taxes, which can reach as high as 7.5%, will still apply in areas that aren’t participating in the tax holiday this year.
Thankfully, most Alabama cities and counties have confirmed they will make eligible items tax-exempt for 2024. Shoppers can visit the Alabama Department of Revenue website for the most up-to-date list of participating local governments.
Sign up for Kiplinger’s Free E-Newsletters
Profit and prosper with the best of expert advice on investing, taxes, retirement, personal finance and more - straight to your e-mail.
Profit and prosper with the best of expert advice - straight to your e-mail.
What’s included in Alabama’s severe weather sales tax holiday?
There are specific rules for what items qualify as tax-free during the February sales tax holiday, and even eligible items won’t qualify if they exceed a specified dollar amount. For example, portable generators will only be considered tax-free if the cost is $1,000 or less. So, even a generator with a price tag of $1,001 would be taxable.
The price-per-item limit is less generous for other eligible items. The items below must cost $60 or less to qualify for the Alabama severe weather preparedness sales tax holiday this year.
- Batteries (including cell phone batteries)
- Cell phone chargers
- Bungee cords, rope, and Duct tape
- Fire extinguishers and smoke and carbon monoxide detectors
- Artificial ice and ice packs
- Emergency glow sticks and battery-powered radios and flashlights
- Non-electric food storage containers and can openers
- Materials specifically designed to protect windows (for example, plywood and plastic sheeting)
Purchase totals exceeding $60 still qualify as tax-exempt as long as no one item exceeds the $60 limit. Additionally, other items not listed above may qualify as tax-free during the tax holiday. Shoppers can contact the Alabama Sales and Use Tax Division for more information.
Related Content
-
The Surprising Truth About Loneliness and LongevityWe've all heard about the epidemic of loneliness that can shorten lives and make retirement miserable. But there's more to the story.
-
The Dollar Index Is Sliding. Is Your Portfolio Prepared?The Dollar Index Is Sliding. Is Your Portfolio Prepared? The dollar's fall has been troubling because inflation appears to be constrained and the economy has been strong. Here's what it means for investors.
-
Why Your Summer Budget Feels Tighter: Tariffs Push Up InflationTariffs Your summer holiday just got more expensive, and tariffs are partially to blame, economists say.
-
Don’t Miss Alabama Tax-Free Weekend 2025Tax Holiday Ready to save? Here’s everything you need to know about the 2025 back-to-school Alabama sales tax holiday.
-
Parents Prepare: Trump's Megabill Brings Three Crucial Tax ChangesTax Changes Are you a parent? The so-called ‘One Big Beautiful Bill’ (OBBB) impacts several key tax incentives that can affect your family this year and beyond.
-
‘I Play Pickleball in Retirement.’ Is It HSA-Eligible?Retirement Tax Staying active after you retire may be easier with these HSA expenses. But there’s a big catch.
-
Mississippi Tax-Free Weekend 2025Tax Holiday Just in time for Prime Day, Mississippi celebrated a tax holiday in July. Find out what back-to-school essentials were included.
-
Ten Cheapest Places to Live in VirginiaProperty Taxes The Commonwealth of Virginia has some cheap places to live. Here are a few if you hate paying property taxes.
-
2025 SALT Cap Could Hurt Top 'Hidden Home Cost'Tax Deductions The GOP tax bill could make hidden homeowner costs worse for you. Here’s how.
-
Retire in the Bahamas With These Three Tax BenefitsRetirement Taxes Retirement in the Bahamas may be worth considering for high-net-worth individuals who hate paying taxes on income and capital gains.
