TEXAS COMPTROLLER REMINDS TEXANS OF ENERGY STAR SALES TAX HOLIDAY

  

Texas families who want to save on the purchase of energy efficient appliances will have an opportunity to do so during the state’s annual ENERGY STAR® Sales Tax Holiday, which is Saturday, May 23, through Monday, May 25.

“As the hottest part of the year approaches, Texas families are looking for energy efficient ways to cut costs on electric bills,” Texas Comptroller Glenn Hegar said. “We are pleased to give Texas shoppers a break from state and local sales and use taxes on the purchase of certain energy efficient products.”

Shoppers are expected to save an estimated $3.8 million in state and local sales tax during the Memorial Day weekend sales tax holiday.

The sales tax break applies to ENERGY STAR® qualified air conditioners priced at $6,000 or less; refrigerators priced at $2,000 or less; ceiling fans; fluorescent light bulbs; dishwashers; dehumidifiers; and clothes washers. ENERGY STAR® Sales Tax Holiday details are at http://comptroller.texas.gov/taxinfo/taxpubs/tx96_1331/.

Estimated annual energy and water savings for eligible products are listed in the chart below. Clothes dryers are not ENERGY STAR® certified.

ENERGY STAR® Appliance vs. Conventional

Appliance Type  Energy Savings  Water Savings

Central Air Conditioners        15%

Room/Window Air Conditioners     15%

Refrigerators       10%

Ceiling Fans        60%

Compact Fluorescent Light Bulbs 80%

Clothes Washers         25%  40%

Dish Washers     5%    15%

Dehumidifiers     15%

Source: U.S. Department of Energy, U.S. Environmental Prote