Memorial Day Weekend: New Sales Tax Holiday Goes into Effect on Energy Saving Home Appliances

HOUSTON–As summertime approaches and energy usage rises, state Representative Dwayne Bohac is reminding consumers that they can save money and conserve electricity by taking advantage of the state’s new sales tax holiday by purchasing energy efficient appliances and light bulbs.

During the upcoming Memorial Day weekend, Texans will be able to purchase energy efficient household appliances free of state and local sales taxes as long as the equipment carries an Energy Star logo. In Houston, taxpayers will save 8.25 percent on eligible items from May 24 to May 26. The new law is expected to save Texans $2.6 million according to Texas Comptroller Susan Combs.

“I was pleased to co-author House Bill 3693 during this last session to give consumers an incentive to purchase energy efficient equipment,” Bohac said. “The Energy Star logo means that the piece of equipment you are purchasing meets strict energy efficiency guidelines and will save you real money on your electricity bills.”

Dishwashers, refrigerators, ceiling fans, dehumidifiers, clothes washers and air conditioners with an Energy Star logo are eligible for the sales tax break. The tax break will also apply to catalog and internet sales during Memorial Day weekend and to items placed on layaway or removed from layaway.

Compact fluorescent light bulbs (CFL’s) are also included in the holiday tax break and although traditional incandescent bulbs are cheaper to purchase than CFL’s, the fact that CFL’s last longer and produce the same amount of light at lower wattages means consumers can save significant amounts of money over the lifetime of the bulb.

“I have switched light bulbs in my house and in my state offices to CFL’s to save money and conserve energy,” Bohac said. “An added benefit is that CFL’s keep me from having to constantly change light bulbs, which often requires climbing up on a ladder. Porch lights are a good place to start with these new bulbs because they are often left burning for long periods of time.”

According to the Energy Star Website, the typical 60 watt incandescent bulb produces the same light as a 13 watt CFL and uses 75 percent less electricity. One CFL can last as long as 13 incandescent bulbs.

“This new state tax holiday is a way for consumers to save money on their electricity bill and that new appliance they’ve been needing,” Bohac said.

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