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
-
Ten Cheapest Places to Live in TexasProperty Tax Looking for a cheap place to live in Texas? Look no further. These counties have the lowest property tax bills in the Lone Star State.
-
AI Is Missing the Wisdom of Older Adults: What It Means for YouAI will increasingly affect your healthcare and finances, but young workers are primarily designing the systems and getting most of the jobs.
-
Homeschoolers: 529 Plan Savings Could Soon Work for YouSavings Accounts A new House GOP bill could change how you save for your child's homeschool education. Find out how.
-
Five ‘Big Beautiful Bill’ Tax Changes to Watch in the SenateTax Policy The House passed its version of Trump’s "One Big, Beautiful Bill." Here’s what to look for as Senate Republicans take up the mega legislation.
-
New GOP Car Loan Tax Deduction: Which Vehicles and Buyers QualifyTax Breaks To fulfill Trump's campaign promise, House GOP lawmakers want to offer a tax deduction for car loan interest. How would it work?
-
Big GOP Tax Bill Could Change Your Estate Planning for 2025Tax Law The GOP might extend and increase the higher estate and gift tax exemption and AMT thresholds. What might this mean for your estate plan?
-
Ten Cheapest Places To Live in New YorkProperty Tax If you’re planning a move in New York, here are the counties with the lowest property tax bills in the Empire State.
-
‘My Etsy Shop is Dead’: Vendors Cry for Help Amid Trump’s TariffsTariffs Small businesses are struggling to thrive as they absorb the Trump administration’s new wave of tariffs.
-
Three Things Star Wars Fans Taught Me About TaxTax Tips May the force be with you and your taxes this Star Wars Day 2025.
-
Retirees: Don’t Miss These Valuable State Tax Breaks in 2025Retirement Planning Selecting the right state for retirement can significantly impact your financial well-being.
