In the aftermath of the worst tornado outbreak in modern history, a series of measures to make Alabama residents better prepared for such disasters were presented to Governor Robert Bentley.
One of those concepts by the Tornado Recovery Action Council, a tax holiday aimed at freeing residents of the burden of state, county, and city taxes on items considered essential for severe weather preparedness, will be this weekend.
According to the Alabama Department of Revenue, items not taxed include:
AAA-cell batteries
AA-cell batteries
C-cell batteries
D-cell batteries
6-volt batteries
9-volt batteries
Cellular phone battery
Cellular phone charger
Portable self-powered or battery-powered radio, twoway radio, weatherband radio or NOAA weather radio
Portable self-powered light source, including batterypowered flashlights, lanterns, or emergency glow sticks
Tarpaulin
Plastic sheeting
Plastic drop cloths
Other flexible, waterproof sheeting
Ground anchor system, such as
bungee cords or rope, or tiedown kit
Duct tape
Plywood, window film or other materials specifically designed to protect window coverings
Non-electric food storage cooler or water storage container
Non-electric can opener
Artificial ice
Blue ice
Ice packs
Reusable ice
Self-contained first aid kit
Fire extinguisher
Smoke detector
Carbon monoxide detector
Gas or Diesel fuel tank or container
The “holiday” is in effect from 12:01 a.m. Friday July 6 through Midnight Sunday, July 8.
Most counties and city governments adopted the provision however some did not citing the upcoming back-to-school tax break period. The complete list of participating communities is available at the following site: http://www.revenue.alabama.gov/salestax/WPholiday.htm
