Alabama Severe Weather Preparedness Sales Tax Holiday Set for Feb. 20-22

Shoppers can purchase qualifying emergency supplies without paying state or local sales tax.

Published on Feb. 19, 2026

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Alabama will hold its annual Severe Weather Preparedness Sales Tax Holiday from February 20-22, 2026, allowing residents to purchase eligible emergency preparedness items without paying state or local sales tax. The tax holiday is intended to help families stock up on supplies ahead of severe weather events. Eligible items include batteries, radios, flashlights, coolers, and more, with a price cap of $94 per item.

Why it matters

The sales tax holiday makes it more affordable for Alabama residents to purchase necessary emergency supplies, which can be crucial for preparing and responding to severe weather events. By temporarily removing state and local sales taxes, the holiday aims to encourage preparedness and support local retailers.

The details

During the three-day sales tax holiday, qualifying emergency preparedness items priced at $94 or less per item will be exempt from state and local sales taxes. Eligible items include batteries, radios, flashlights, plastic sheeting, first aid kits, and more. A single purchase of a portable generator and related power cords priced at $1,564 or less also qualifies for the sales tax exemption. In prior years, the exemption limits were capped at $60 for supplies and $1,000 for generators, but these limits have been updated to better reflect current costs.

  • The sales tax holiday begins at 12:01 a.m. on Friday, February 20, 2026 and runs through midnight on Sunday, February 22, 2026.

The players

Alabama Department of Revenue

The state agency that oversees the annual Severe Weather Preparedness Sales Tax Holiday.

Alabama Retail Association

An organization that represents Alabama retailers and advocated for updating the exemption limits to better reflect current costs.

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What they’re saying

“By updating these exemption limits to better reflect today's costs, lawmakers ensured that this sales tax holiday continues to provide meaningful savings for Alabama families. These changes help consumers purchase the items they need while also supporting Alabama retailers in their local communities. A true win-win.”

— Rick Brown, President, Alabama Retail Association (cullmantribune.com)

What’s next

Residents of Alabama should take advantage of the Severe Weather Preparedness Sales Tax Holiday from February 20-22, 2026 to stock up on necessary emergency supplies without paying state or local sales tax.

The takeaway

The annual Severe Weather Preparedness Sales Tax Holiday in Alabama is an important initiative that helps make it more affordable for families to prepare for severe weather events. By temporarily removing sales taxes on eligible emergency supplies, the holiday encourages preparedness and supports local retailers, benefiting both consumers and the community.