Sales Tax Takes a Holiday for Energy-efficient Items

Shopping for a mini-fridge, air purifier, TV, fan or light bulbs for your room or apartment? Make your purchase this weekend, and take advantage of Virginia's Energy Star sales tax holiday.

Beginning at 12:01 a.m. Friday, products with the Energy Star service mark purchased for less than $2,500 for personal use will be exempt from Virginia's retail sales and use tax. The tax holiday ends at midnight Monday.

"This is a chance for everyone to save some money while stocking up on items like compact fluorescent light bulbs that conserve energy," said Julio Stephens, RU's sustainability coordinator.   

Also on the tax-exempt list are computers and audiovisual equipment for personal use. A complete list of eligible products is on the Energy Star website.

Created in 1992, Energy Star is a joint program of the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency and the U.S. Department of Energy to promote energy-efficient products. It has become the international standard for energy-efficient consumer products. The Energy Service mark generally means a product uses 20 percent to 30 percent less energy than required by U.S. standards.

Learn more about the sales tax holiday on the Virginia Department of Mines, Minerals and Energy website.