Politics & Government

Sales Tax Holiday Begins Friday for EnergyStar, WaterSense Products

Purchase new or used qualifying products in stores or online between Oct. 5 and Oct. 8.

Virginia is hosting its annual sales tax holiday for Energy Star and WaterSense products, such as dishwashers and sink faucets, this weekend.

Starting today, 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 tax holiday ends Monday.

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

Find out what's happening in Oaktonwith free, real-time updates from Patch.

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," Gov. Bob McDonnell (R) said 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."

Find out what's happening in Oaktonwith free, real-time updates from Patch.

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 purchases of used Energy Star and WaterSense items that qualify.

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


Get more local news delivered straight to your inbox. Sign up for free Patch newsletters and alerts.

We’ve removed the ability to reply as we work to make improvements. Learn more here

More from Oakton