From Staff Reports
L’Observateur

LAPLACE — Flashlights, batteries, portable generators and other emergency supplies are free from the four-percent state sales tax on Saturday and Sunday.

The 2014 Louisiana Hurricane Prepared-ness Sales Tax Holiday gives Louisiana residents a chance to get ready for storm season before the Atlantic Hurricane Season begins on June 1.

“There is no substitute for early preparation,” Secretary of Revenue Tim Barfield said.

“This sales tax holiday is the best opportunity to stock up early on the items that can keep your family safe and comfortable during and after a storm.”

The sales tax holiday exempts each eligible item from the four-percent state sales tax.

It applies to the first $1,500 of the purchase price of each item.

Local taxes apply unless specifically exempted by local taxing authorities.

Eligible purchases include:

• Self-powered light sources, such as flashlights and candles

• Portable self-powered radios, two-way radios, and weather-band radios

• Tarpaulins or other flexible waterproof sheeting

• Ground anchor systems, straps or tie-down kits

• Gas or diesel fuel tanks

• Batteries, sizes AAA, AA, C, D, 6-volt, or 9-volt (Automobile batteries and boat batteries are ineligible)

• Cellular phone batteries and chargers

• Non-electric food storage coolers

• Portable generators

• Storm shutter devices (Materials and products manufactured, rated, and marketed specifically for the purposes of preventing window damage from storms)

• Carbon monoxide detectors

• “Blue Ice” (and similar re-usable cooling products)