Show-Me Green Sales Tax Holiday to Deliver Energy, Customer Savings
Sen. Smith-Sponsored Energy-Saving Program Runs April 19-25
JEFFERSON CITY — Missouri’s first annual Show-Me Green Sales Tax Holiday — an energy-saving program introduced by Sen. Jeff Smith, D-St. Louis, and passed by the General Assembly in 2008 — will be observed this month in conjunction with Earth Day celebrations throughout the state.
The holiday, which runs from April 19-25, allows Missouri businesses and consumers to save money, save energy, and stimulate the economy when they purchase new Energy Star qualified appliances in Missouri. Participation in the sales tax holiday means a savings of at least 4.225 percent, with additional tax savings available in some cities, counties and other governmental entities that opt to participate in the holiday. In some areas, the tax savings jump from 4.225 percent to nearly 8 percent (see a list of participating entities at http://dor.mo.gov/tax/business/sales/taxholiday/green/).
“The Show-Me Green Sales Tax Holiday is an ideal time to buy energy-efficient appliances for a reduced price and to begin saving on future utility bills,” Sen. Smith said. “Using energy-efficient appliances reduces greenhouse gas emissions, which helps the environment, and Missouri families who buy these appliances can also save about 1/3 on their energy bill.”
Energy-Star-certified appliances that qualify for the sales tax exemption are:
The sales tax exemption only applies to the first $1,500 on each appliance. If the appliance costs more than $1,500, the regular sales tax rate is in effect for any of the purchase price above $1,500.
The dates of the tax-free holiday purposely coincide with Earth Day so local communities, schools, and others can help educate consumers on cost-saving, energy-efficient practices.
“Greener homes bring tremendous environmental benefits to our communities and to our state, so I want to encourage all Missourians to participate in the holiday — and to seek other opportunities for making better energy efficient choices,” Sen. Smith said.