Storm tax holiday starts Friday

Gov. Bobby Jindal’s office has announced that May 28 and 29 have been designated a state sales tax holiday in Louisiana. The purpose is to offer an incentive for residents to purchase supplies they may need during the upcoming hurricane season, which begins on June 1.

“This is a good opportunity to stock up on the basic items families need in the event of strong storms,” Jindal said in a printed statement. “The fact is when storms or other emergencies impact our state, power is down, streets are covered with debris and sometimes high waters prevent folks from going to the store and getting what they need.”

Sales tax exemptions apply to the first $1,500 of purchase price of a list of what are considered essential items and include:

• Flashlights, candles and self-powered lamps

• Portable self-powered radios, two-way radios and weather-band radios

• Tarpaulins and other flexible waterproof sheeting

• Ground anchor systems, straps or tie-down kits

• Gas or diesel fuel tanks

• Batteries in sizes AAA, AA, C, D, 6-volt, 9-volt (Automobile and boat batteries are ineligible)

• Cellular phone batteries and chargers

• Non-electric food storage coolers

• Portable generators

• Storm shutter devices (Specifically manufactured and marketed to prevent window damage)

• Carbon monoxide devices

• Blue ice or other re-usable cooling products

The 2011 Louisiana hurricane preparedness sales tax holiday does not apply to items or supplies purchased at airports, public lodging establishments, hotels, convenience stores or entertainment complexes.

“This tax holiday doesn’t just make financial sense,” Jindal said. “It’s about reminding folks to get a game plan, get prepared and take steps now to protect their families in the event of a storm.”

For detailed information on the hurricane preparedness holiday and qualified purchases visit www.revenue.louisiana.gov/hurricaneprep.