Sales Tax Holiday Begins Friday for EnergyStar, WaterSense Products

Virginis is hosting its annual sales tax holiday for Energy Star and WaterSense products such as dishwashers and sink faucets from Oct. 5 through Oct. 8.

Consumers can purchase a variety of environmentally friendly products during the four-day event and not pay the 5 percent state and local sales tax on those items.

The products must cost $2,500 or less each and be purchased for noncommercial or personal use. 

Online purchases of qualifying Energy Star and WaterSense products also will be exempt from the sales tax as long as the orders are placed during the exemption period and the sellers have the items available for immediate shipment.

“Purchasing energy-efficient appliances and other products is a smart move and this sales tax holiday adds an extra savings incentive,” said Gov. Bob McDonnell in a statement. “Saving money while you conserve energy makes perfect sense for your own budget and for our environment. Something everyone should consider doing is replacing their standard light bulbs with electricity-saving CFLs.”

The Energy Star products include many larger items, including air conditioners, refrigerators, dishwashers, ceiling fans and washing machines, as well as compact fluorescent light bulbs, or CFLs. 

WaterSense-labeled bathroom sink faucets, faucet accessories, toilets, showerheads, urinals and landscape irrigation controllers also will be tax-exempt. The sales tax exemption also applies to qualifying purchases of used Energy Star and WaterSense items.

The Department of Taxation posted guidelines, frequently asked questions, and a list of approved Energy Star and WaterSense items on its website.