No tax on energy-efficient appliances now through Sunday
By Staff Reports
Published in News on November 7, 2008 1:46 PM
North Carolina will hold its first tax-free weekend for energy efficient appliances, Friday through Sunday.
Announced by Gov. Mike Easley, the weekend will give consumers a break from state and local sales taxes on large appliances that carry the "Energy Star" label.
Among those that will qualify for the tax exemption will be clothes washers, freezers, refrigerators, central air conditioners, room air conditioners, air-source heat pumps, geothermal heat pumps, ceiling fans, dehumidifiers and programmable thermostats will be exempt from state and local taxes during the holiday provided they carry the "Energy Star" label.
The items will be exempt from state and local sales and use taxes when purchased today through 11:59 p.m. Sunday.
Items purchased for use in a trade or business and for rentals are not covered by the exemption.
Purchases of qualifying "Energy Star" products by contractors who will install the products in structures for customers are subject to the tax even when purchased during the holiday.
The goal of the weekend, Easley said in a written release is to not only give residents economic relief, but also to help them keep the environment cleaner.
"In today's tough economy, families need a break wherever they can find one. This tax holiday will help them save money they can use for food, gas, rent or other necessities," he said. "In addition, purchasing an 'Energy Star' appliance is a step toward keeping our environment cleaner, something we should all strive to do.
"'Energy Star' products are designed to operate more efficiently, resulting in the production of less greenhouse gas. The products also use less energy, saving consumers money on their power bills. The products meet the energy efficient standards set by the Environmental Protection Agency and the U.S. Department of Energy."
According to the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency and the U.S. Department of Energy, Americans saved enough energy in 2007 to avoid an amount of greenhouse gas emissions equal to the amount released by 27 million cars. Americans also saved $16 billion on their utility bills in 2007 by using "Energy Star" appliances.
For additional information, see the Energy Star tax holiday flyer at www.energync.net/ energystar.pdf.