Energy Star Sales Tax Holiday this Weekend

Friday, October 7th through Monday, October 10th, Virginia will mark its annual Sales Tax Holiday for energy saving appliances.  Certain Energy Star and WaterSense rated appliances costing less than $2,500 are exempt of Virginia's 5% sales tax during the holiday.

The 2007 General Assembly created the sales tax holidays.  Virginia has three.  In addition to the Energy Star weekend, there's the Hurricane and Emergency Preparedness Equipment Sales Tax Holiday in May that offers savings on emergency supplies.  The Back to School Sales Tax Holiday in August discounts school supplies.

As I detailed in August, the tax holidays are not big money savers in themselves.  Shoppers will save $5.00 for every hundred they spend; a person would have to spend to $1,000 to save $50.00.  But items that qualify for the sales tax holiday are often discounted by retailers hoping to lure sales tax holiday shoppers their way.  Plus, swapping an older appliance for one that's more energy efficient will save a little on the utility bills every month.

Links:
Tax Holiday details from the State Department of Taxation
2007 article announcing the inaugural Energy Star Sales Tax Holiday.