Lancaster County interim chief of emergency services Matthew Smith urges folks to take advantage of the Virginia Sales Tax Holiday August 3-5.
Many hurricane and emergency preparedness products are eligible for the tax-free promotion, said Smith.
Qualifying hurricane preparedness items eligible for exemption with a sales price of $60 or less include artificial ice, blue ice, ice packs and reusable ice; batteries (excluding automobile or boat batteries); portable, battery-operated or self-powered flashlights, lanterns and glow sticks; portable, battery-operated or self-powered radios (including self-powered radios with electrical power capability); 2-way radios and weather band radios and NOAA weather radios.
Also, tarpaulins, plastic sheeting, plastic drop cloths and other flexible waterproof sheeting; bungee cords, rope and paracords; ground anchor systems or tie down kits; ratchet straps; duct tape; carbon monoxide detectors; smoke detectors; fire extinguishers; gas or diesel fuel tanks or containers; water storage containers; nonelectric food storage coolers; bottled water; nonreusable water packets; manual can openers; storm shutter devices; cell phone chargers; and first aid kits.
Qualifying hurricane preparedness items eligible for exemption with a sales price of $1000 or less include portable generators and generator power cords; inverters and inverter power cables; and photovoltaic devices that generate electricity.
Gas-powered chain saws with a sales price of $350 or less and chain saw accessories with a sales price of $60 or less are exempt from the tax during the sales tax holiday. An all-inclusive list of items deemed “chain saw accessories” for the purpose of the holiday include chains; chain saw bar and nose lubricants; two-cycle motor oil; chain sharpeners and files; bars; wrenches; carrying cases and scabbards; safety apparel, chaps, gloves, hearing protectors, helmets and protective glasses; and repair parts.
Other items
The sales tax holiday also covers:
• Qualifying school supplies, $20 or less per item.
• Qualifying clothing and footwear, $100 or less per item.
