Texas County residents will be able to save money, save energy and stimulate the economy by participating in Missouri’s first Show-Me Green Sales Tax Holiday.
The holiday, which runs from April 19-25, means a savings of 4.225 percent to people who purchase new ENERGY STAR (r) qualified appliances in Missouri during the holiday. The reduced price represents the elimination of the state’s sales tax from the purchase.
“During these tough economic times, saving money is important to everyone,” said Karen King Mitchell, director of the Missouri Department of Revenue. “The Show-Me Green Sales Tax Holiday represents an ideal time to buy these appliances because you can get them at a reduced price but also save money on your future utility bills.”
Governmental entities aren’t participating-cities and the county-in Texas County.
Mark Templeton, director of the Missouri Department of Natural Resources, stressed the importance of purchasing appliances that have earned the ENERGY STAR. Which is a joint program of the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency and the U.S. Department of Energy. The program allows manufacturers of appliances to voluntarily label selected appliances if they meet certain criteria. The goal is to promote appliances that perform as well or better than similar appliances while using less energy. The program has saved businesses and consumers billions of dollars since its inception in 1992.
“Most of the energy used in our homes comes from the burning of fossil fuels, which increases greenhouse gas emissions,” said Templeton. “Using energy-efficient appliances reduces the amount of greenhouse gases emitted into the atmosphere, which is obviously better for the environment.”
“I encourage Missourians to make energy efficient choices and use energy efficient appliances,” said Templeton. “Choosing ENERGY STAR-certified appliances could save many Missouri families about a third on their energy bill, without sacrificing features, style or comfort,” said Templeton.
ENERGY STAR-certified appliances that qualify for the sales tax exemption are:
* Clothes washers
* Refrigerators
* Freezers
* Dishwashers
* Water Heaters
* Furnaces
* Air Conditioners
The sales tax exemption only applies to the first $1,500 on each appliance. If an appliance costs more than $1,500, the regular sales tax rate is in effect for any of the purchase price above $1,500.
Although the legislation (Senate Bill 1181) creating the Show-Me Green Sales Tax Holiday listed other appliances eligible for the sales tax savings, not all appliances have met ENERGY STAR guidelines. Examples of appliances NOT eligible for the sales tax exemption are clothes dryers, trash compactors, conventional ovens, ranges and stoves. Lighting fixtures, office equipment, home electronics and other non-appliance ENERGY STAR labeled-products are also not eligible for the sales tax exemption.
David Overfelt of the Missouri Retailers Association said that members of his organization are excited about the holiday.
“Businesses that sell appliances know that if people are aware of the incredible bargain this is, customers will very likely buy these great appliances,” he said. “Anything that helps stimulate the economy and gets shoppers into our stores is good.”
Overfelt also noted that Missouri citizens are not the only ones who can benefit.
“Many of our retailers are in cities close to the borders of other states,” he said. “I would encourage our friends in Illinois, Iowa, Nebraska, Arkansas, Kansas and our other border states to take advantage of this holiday and shop in Missouri between April 19 and 25.”