Save During Alabama’s Severe Weather Preparedness Tax Holiday
Certain items will be tax-free during the Alabama severe weather preparedness sales tax holiday this year, but there are specific rules to follow.
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.
From just $107.88 $24.99 for Kiplinger Personal Finance
Become a smarter, better informed investor. Subscribe from just $107.88 $24.99, plus get up to 4 Special Issues
Sign up for Kiplinger’s Free 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
-
Stocks Extend Losing Streak After Fed Minutes: Stock Market TodayThe Santa Claus Rally is officially at risk after the S&P 500's third straight loss.
-
What Bilt Cardholders Need to Know as Wells Fargo Exits the ProgramA major shake-up in the Bilt Rewards program could affect your credit card, rent rewards and points strategy heading into 2026.
-
3 Major Changes to the Charitable Deduction in 2026Tax Breaks About 144 million Americans might qualify for the 2026 universal charity deduction, while high earners face new IRS limits. Here's what to know.
-
3 Major Changes to the Charitable Deduction in 2026
Tax Breaks About 144 million Americans might qualify for the 2026 universal charity deduction, while high earners face new IRS limits. Here's what to know.
-
Retirees in These 7 States Could Pay Less Property Taxes Next YearState Taxes Retirement property tax bills could be up to 65% cheaper for some older adults in 2026. Do you qualify?
-
Estate Tax Quiz: Can You Pass the Test on the 40% Federal Rate?Quiz How well do you know the new 2026 IRS rules for wealth transfer and the specific tax brackets that affect your heirs? Let's find out!
-
5 Types of Gifts the IRS Won’t Tax: Even If They’re BigGift Tax Several categories of gifts don’t count toward annual gift tax limits. Here's what you need to know.
-
The 'Scrooge' Strategy: How to Turn Your Old Junk Into a Tax DeductionTax Deductions We break down the IRS rules for non-cash charitable contributions. Plus, here's a handy checklist before you donate to charity this year.
-
Are You Middle-Class? Here's the Most Tax-Friendly State for Your FamilyTax Tips We found the state with no income tax, low property tax bills and exemptions on groceries and medicine.
-
Social Security Benefits Quiz : Do You Know the IRS Tax Rules?Quiz Social Security benefits often come with confusing IRS tax rules that can trip up financially savvy retirees and near-retirees.
-
How Are I Bonds Taxed? 8 Common Situations to KnowBonds Series I U.S. savings bonds are a popular investment, but the federal income tax consequences are anything but straightforward.
