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Texas Comptroller of Public Accounts
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
May 14, 2020
Sales Tax Holidays for Water-Efficient and ENERGY STAR® Products Set for May 23-25
(AUSTIN) — As Texas businesses slowly reopen their doors amid the COVID-19 pandemic, Texas Comptroller Glenn Hegar is reminding families and businesses that they can save on the purchase of certain water- and energy-efficient products during the state’s Water-Efficient Products and ENERGY STAR® sales tax holidays.
The holidays, created by the Texas Legislature, both take place Saturday, May 23, through Monday, May 25.
“Inefficient appliances and outdated water systems put a tremendous strain on our power grids and water supplies,” Hegar said. “Even in these uncertain times, Texans can take advantage of this sales tax holiday to buy more energy-efficient items, support local businesses and save money. You can practice social distancing and other precautionary measures when shopping in person or shop online. Qualifying products are tax free.”
This is the fifth year for the Water-Efficient Products Sales Tax Holiday. Products displaying a WaterSense® label or logo can be purchased tax free for personal or business use. These include showerheads, bathroom sink faucets and accessories, toilets, urinals and landscape irrigation controls.
The sales tax holiday also applies to lawn and garden products that help conserve water outdoors. Items qualifying for the exemption include soaker or drip-irrigation hoses; moisture controls for sprinkler or irrigation systems; mulch; and plants, trees and grasses. These items can be purchased tax free for residential use only.
There’s no limit to the number of water-efficient or water-conserving products you can purchase tax free. For more information on the Water-Efficient Products Sales Tax Holiday, visit the Comptroller’s website.
During the ENERGY STAR Sales Tax Holiday, certain energy-efficient products displaying the ENERGY STAR logo can be purchased tax free, including air conditioners priced at $6,000 or less, refrigerators priced at $2,000 or less, ceiling fans, fluorescent light bulbs, dishwashers, dehumidifiers and clothes washing machines.
Visit the Comptroller’s website for more ENERGY STAR Sales Tax Holiday details.
Estimated annual energy and water savings for eligible products are listed below.
| Appliance Type | Energy Savings | Water Savings |
|---|---|---|
| Central Air Conditioners | 8% | |
| Room/Window Air Conditioners | 10% | |
| Refrigerators | 10% | |
| Freezers | 10% | |
| Ceiling Fans/light Combination Units | 60% | |
| ENERGY STAR Certified Light Bulbs | 90% | |
| ENERGY STAR Certified Fixtures | 90% | |
| ENERGY STAR Certified Decorative Light Strings | 75% | |
| Clothes Washers | 40%-50% | 55% |
| Dishwashers | 12% | 30% |
| Dehumidifiers | 15% | |
| WaterSense Products – Showerheads | 2 gallons/minute max | |
| WaterSense label – Toilets | 20%-60% |
Source: ENERGY STAR (energystar.gov)