WASHINGTON — Hurricane season starts June 1, and Virginia is giving people a tax break to help prepare for it.
The Virginia Hurricane Preparedness Sales Tax Holiday waives the state sales tax on items that will help people get through power outages and repair damage. Things such as batteries, flashlights, bottled water, coolers, portable generators and chain saws are exempt from Virginia sales tax May 25 through May 31.
There are rules on what items, at what prices, are eligible for the exemption; you can read them here.
Another such holiday will be offered Aug. 7 to Aug. 9; after this year, it will be in August only.
“During this time of year, it makes sense for everyone to have a well-stocked emergency preparedness kit, We will work as quickly and safely as possible to restore power in the wake of a hurricane or powerful storm, but prolonged power outages are possible. Advance preparation can help ensure our customers and their families are ready,” says David Rives, senior vice president of distribution at Dominion Virginia Power, says in a statement.
Dominion has a video on stocking an emergency kit:
