County Approves Tax Holiday

Posted on: May 31st, 2012 | Announcements

The Mobile County Commission approved this week a tax holiday for local citizens buying goods to prepare for severe weather events. The tax holiday, set for the first weekend of July, exempts local and state sales and use taxes on a variety of purchases. Mobile County commissioners voted unanimously to participate in Alabama?s 2012 Severe Weather Preparedness Tax Holiday starting at 12:01 a.m. Friday, July 6 and ending midnight Sunday, July 8. State law gives local municipalities the option of whether or not to participate. Citizens can purchase a wide variety of items, including any portable generator and power cords selling for $1,000 or less per item. In addition, the following items selling for $60 or less per item are allowable: ? AAA-cell, AA-cell, C-cell, D-cell, 6- or 9-volt batteries, excluding coin batteries and auto and boat batteries; ? Cellular phone batteries or cellular phone charger; ? Portable self-powered or battery-powered radio, two-way radio, weatherband radio or NOAA weather radio; ? Portable self-powered light source, including battery-powered flashlights, lanterns or emergency glow sticks; ? Tarpaulin, plastic sheeting, plastic drop cloths or other flexible, waterproof sheeting; ? Ground anchor system, such as bungee cords or rope or tie-down kit; ? Duct tape; ? Plywood, window film or other materials designed specifically to protect window openings; ? Non-electric food storage container or water storage container; ? Non-electric can opener; ? Artificial ice, blue ice, ice packs or reusable ice; ? Self-contained first aid kit; ? Fire extinguisher, smoke detector or carbon monoxide detector; ? Gas or diesel fuel tank container. (more) The Alabama Commissioner of the Department of Revenue will determine if any other purchases qualify for the exemption. ?It?s important for citizens to take the threat of severe weather seriously and to prepare their families for such an event,? said Mobile County Commission President Connie Hudson. ?The county provides an excellent notification system for citizens that they can access at the county?s website,? noted Mobile County Commissioner Mike Dean. ?But each family must be prepared to survive a severe weather event on their own for up to 72 hours, or until help can be summoned. This tax holiday makes it a little easier.? Mobile County Commissioner Merceria Ludgood said there was ?not a question about whether a hurricane will occur along the Gulf Coast. We know we will be required to take steps to guard the well-being of our family and neighbors. This is our opportunity to get the supplies we will undoubtedly need to keep ourselves safe.?