Don't Mess With Taxes

Most states hold sales tax holidays in late summer, pegging he events to the resumption of the school year.

But there are a few tax holiday over-achievers. They supplement their back-to-school tax-free events with additional sales tax savings.

The standard bearer of late has been Florida. The Sunshine State in 2022 and 2023 enacted a variety of tax holidays, some of which extended into this year. Florida also kicked off 2024 with a semester break back-to-school tax holiday in January.

Other states' special shopping events will include no taxes on emergency supplies, energy efficient products, food, and even firearm-related purchases. Most of these tax holidays are scheduled for the spring. Don't worry. I'll let you know the when's and where's as they near.

But a couple are very near. Like this month. Specifically, Alabama and Maryland shoppers can find some tax-free bargains in February 2024.

Maryland energy and tax savings: First up is Maryland's annual Energy Star Holiday. Starting at 12:01 on Saturday, Feb. 17, and until 11:59 p.m. Monday, Feb. 19, the Old Line State's 6 percent sales tax will be waived on products and appliances that bear the Energy Star label.

The designation indicates the product meets efficiency standards set by the federal government. Used appliances with the Energy Star logo also qualify for the tax exemption.

Eligible items during Maryland's no-tax February event include air conditioners, washers and dryers, furnaces, heat pumps, standard-size refrigerators, compact fluorescent light bulbs, light-emitting diode (LED) light bulbs, dehumidifiers, and programmable thermostats.

You can find more about the tax savings in the Shop Maryland Energy frequently asked questions issued by the Maryland Comptroller.

Alabama bad weather prep tax breaks: Alabama's annual Severe Weather Holiday is held on the last full weekend of February. This year, it starts at 12:01 a.m. on Friday, Feb. 23, and runs until midnight Sunday, Feb. 25.

During those three days, generators and power cords that cost $1,000 or less are tax free. Other severe weather preparedness items that cost $60 or less per item also aren't subject to the Yellowhammer State's 4 percent sales tax.

Some counties and municipalities also waive their sales taxes, but they are not required to do so. You can see which localities are participating or not at this special Alabama Department of Revenue page.

The image below from an Alabama Retail Association poster shows some of the items that will be tax-free during the sales tax holiday later this month.

You can find more on which severe weather supplies are (or aren't) tax-free during the holiday in this Alabama Department of Revenue reference sheet.

If you live in Alabama or Maryland and can save a few tax dollars on items you need, be they relatively inexpensive storm preparation supplies or an expensive household appliance, then mark the appropriate tax holiday date on your calendar.

I'm marking them — Feb. 17-19 and Feb. 23-25 — as this weekend's By the Numbers figures.

You also might find these items of interest:

• Tax holidays are popular, but bad tax policy
• 6 shopping tips to maximize sales tax holiday savings
• 5 sales-tax-free states are perfect places to shop year-round

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