May 21, 2009
Energy Star Tax Free Memorial Day Weekend

May 21, 2009

AUSTIN, TX – This Memorial Day weekend is the 2nd Annual Energy Star Sales Tax Holiday. From May 23-25, Texans can avoid local and state taxes when they purchase various energy-efficient appliances and household items that bear the Energy Star label. Energy Star appliances typically use 10-50% less energy and water than standard models. For more information you may visit the Energy Star website.

According to the Texas Comptroller of Public Accounts, Texas shoppers are expected to save approximately $3 million during the 3-day period. The Energy Star Sales Tax Holiday is modeled after the widely successful Back to School Sales Tax Holiday held each year in mid-August. For more information from the comptroller’s website, click here.

This weekend you can purchase these Energy Star-labeled items tax free:

• Air conditioners (under $6,000)
• Clothes washers (but not dryers)
• Ceiling fans
• Dehumidifiers
• Dishwashers
• Compact fluorescent and incandescent light bulbs
• Programmable thermostats
• Refrigerators (under $2,000)

Keep your receipts; Austin Energy and the Austin Water Utility both offer valuable rebates on Energy Star-labeled air conditioners and clothes washers. For Austin Energy rebate information and to download an application, you may visit www.austinenergy.com; for Austin Water rebate information and to download an application, you may visit www.austintexas.gov/department/water.

There is also a federal tax credit on air conditioners for triple savings; and that’s not counting the money you’ll save on lower utility bills.