Rep. Gonzales Announces Energy Efficient Appliances Sales Tax Holiday This Weekend

May 25, 2010

 

For Immediate Release

Contact: Ricardo Lopez-Guerra

                    (512) 463-0578

 

REP. GONZALES ANNOUNCES ENERGY EFFICIENT PRODUCTS SALES TAX HOLIDAY

Sales Tax Break For Energy-Saving Products Runs Saturday through Monday

 

McALLEN - State Representative Veronica Gonzales announced that Texas consumers can save money by purchasing energy-efficient products during the third annual ENERGY STAR Sales Tax Holiday this weekend, starting Saturday, May 29, and ending on Monday, May 31.

 

"Many of us see our utility bills go up during the hot summer months. This weekend is a great opportunity to replace older appliances for more efficient models that will lower utility bills and conserve resources, without having to pay state sales tax," Gonzales said. "Energy-efficient appliances are better for our environment and our wallets, and even small changes like switching to fluorescent light bulbs can make a difference. I encourage Texans to take advantage of this weekend."

 

During the three-day event, Texas consumers are exempt from paying state and local sales taxes on products and appliances with an ENERGY STAR label. Eligible items include air conditioners priced under $6,000; refrigerators under $2,000; ceiling fans; incandescent and fluorescent light bulbs; clothes washers; dishwashers and ENERGY STAR-labeled programmable thermostats.  Delivery, shipping, handling and transportation charges for these products also apply. There is no limit to the number of qualifying items that can be purchased during the sales tax holiday. The break from state and local taxes is expected to save shoppers about $3 million.

 

Appliances with the ENERGY STAR label from the U.S. Department of Energy and the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency have met rigorous energy efficiency and water standards and use much less energy and water than other models. ENERGY STAR appliances help consumers save on their monthly utility bills.

 

For a detailed list of exempted products and more information about the sales tax holiday, visit: www.TexasPowerfulSmart.com.

 

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