Natural disasters reveal the importance of emergency preparedness. States with hurricanes, storms, and other devastation may stock up on emergency supplies. But did you know preparedness can include a brand-new appliance for your home?
For example, solar water heaters can help you save on utility costs throughout the year — not just when the power goes out.
And there are many other appliances that you can save on in 2025. One way to do it is through a sales tax holiday. Some states offer these limited-time savings on energy-efficient appliances, like refrigerators, washing machines, and air conditioners.
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.
However, certain exclusions apply. And you must purchase during a specific time frame. Interested?
Let’s talk sales tax holidays.
2025 sales tax holidays
Basically, sales tax holidays are a weekend, a month, or longer period where you can buy some items under a certain dollar amount state sales tax-free (local sales tax may still apply).
While not all states have them, sales tax holidays can save you on tax rates as high as 9.565%. That’s about $10 saved for every $100 you spend. And when it comes to more expensive appliances, those tax savings can add up.
Air conditioners, refrigerators, portable generators, and washing machines are just a few items commonly included in these sales. So even if you aren’t preparing for a natural or other disaster, you might consider taking advantage of the holiday by upgrading your home.
Here is a list of 2025 energy efficiency and emergency preparedness sales tax holidays, beginning with February.
Alabama tax-free weekend
The Alabama severe weather preparedness sales tax holiday begins Friday, February 21, 2025, at 12:01 am and ends on Sunday, February 23, 2025, at midnight.
During this time, shoppers can save on certain emergency preparedness items under a specified dollar amount. For instance, portable generators may be state sales tax-free if valued at $1,000 or less.
All other eligible items must cost $60 or less to be included in the 2025 Alabama Severe Weather Preparedness Tax Holiday:
- Most batteries, including AAA, AA, C, and D-cell batteries
- Cell phone chargers
- Food storage coolers and can openers (non-electric)
- Duct tape
- Ice packs and self-contained first-aid kits
- Fire extinguishers and smoke detectors
- Gas or diesel fuel tanks or containers
Local sales taxes may apply as not all local governments are participating. You can find a complete list of eligible items on the Alabama Department of Revenue website.
Maryland tax-free weekend
Maryland is the first state with a sales tax holiday in 2025. Maryland’s tax-free weekend begins at 12:01 am Saturday, February 15, 2025, and ends at 11:59 pm Monday, February 17, 2025.
During this time, savvy shoppers can save on Maryland’s state sales tax rate of 6%. That’s $6 for every $100 you spend.
Eligible items for the Shop Maryland Energy Weekend include Energy Star products:
- Air conditioners and furnaces
- Washing machines and dryers (for clothing)
- Refrigerators (standard size)
- Boilers and heat pumps
- Programmable thermostats
- Compact fluorescent light bulbs
- Dehumidifiers
….as well as solar water heaters.
Shoppers can determine if an appliance is “Energy Star” by looking for the label on the product. You can search for a list of them on energystar.gov. For more information read the FAQs posted on the Comptroller of Maryland’s website.
Texas, Florida, and more 2025 sales tax holidays
Several other states (and one territory) will have an emergency preparedness or energy efficiency sales tax holiday in 2025:
- Florida has a Disaster Preparedness tax holiday, though the date is to be determined.
- Missouri has a Show Me Green sales tax holiday from April 19th through April 25th, 2025.
- Texas has three tax holidays related to preparedness and “going green” with several different dates.
- Virginia has an annual sales tax holiday which includes hurricane and emergency preparedness products. Date to be determined.
Additionally, Puerto Rico has a hurricane preparedness tax holiday every May. However, 2025’s date is not yet determined.
As indicated above, not all information is available for some of these tax-free periods. Further details will be added closer to the tax holiday dates. Stay tuned.
Related Content
-
How to Adopt AI and Keep Employees HappyThe Kiplinger Letter As business adoption of AI picks up, employee morale could take a hit. But there are ways to avoid an AI backlash.
-
Don’t Let Your Dreams Go Unfulfilled: Plan for Your Passion in RetirementFollow these three steps to ensure you are emotionally and financially prepared for your passion in retirement.
-
The Most Tax-Friendly State for Retirement in 2025: Here It IsRetirement Tax How do you retire ‘tax-free’? This state doesn’t tax retirement income, has a low median property tax bill, and even offers savings on gas. Are you ready for a move?
-
Five Ways Trump’s 2025 Tax Bill Could Boost Your Tax Refund (or Shrink It)Tax Refunds The tax code is changing again, and if you’re filing for 2025, Trump’s ‘big beautiful’ bill could mean a bigger refund, a smaller one or something in between next year. Here are five ways the new law could impact your bottom line.
-
New SALT Deduction Could Put Thousands Back in California Homeowners’ PocketsTax Breaks The federal state and local sales tax (SALT) deduction cap is higher this year, and could translate into bigger savings for Golden State homeowners.
-
Money for Your Kids? Three Ways Trump's ‘Big Beautiful Bill’ Impacts Your Child's FinancesTax Tips The Trump tax bill could help your child with future education and homebuying costs. Here’s how.
-
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.
-
Alabama Tax-Free Weekend 2025Tax Holiday Here’s everything you need to know about the 2025 back-to-school Alabama sales tax holiday.
-
Key 2025 Tax Changes for Parents in Trump's MegabillTax 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.
