Prepare for Storm Season During Virginia’s Tax-Free Holiday Aug. 7-9
Saturday | August 1, 2026

Virginia’s Sales Tax Holiday, Aug. 7-9, is an opportunity to stock up on qualifying storm and emergency preparedness supplies without paying sales tax. For households, that can mean checking batteries, flashlights, weather radios and other essentials before the next severe-weather event.

The tax holiday applies to certain hurricane and emergency preparedness items, as long as they meet the state’s price limits. Qualifying items include portable generators priced at $1,000 or less, gas-powered chainsaws priced at $350 or less, chainsaw accessories priced at $60 or less and other specified hurricane preparedness items priced at $60 or less.

The tax-free weekend also includes qualifying ENERGY STAR® and WaterSense® products priced at $2,500 or less when purchased for noncommercial home or personal use. These products can support long-term energy efficiency while offering another way to make the most of the tax holiday.

Eligible online purchases may qualify. Before completing a purchase, review product details and confirm the tax exemption appears at checkout, because eligibility depends on the item, price, purchase timing and shipping address.

A little preparation can make a major difference when severe weather arrives. Use the tax holiday as a reminder to review your family’s emergency plan, refresh your supplies and make sure your home is ready for the season ahead. Learn more at myrec.coop/stormprep.

 

Tax Free Holiday Cover

REC STORIES

As of this afternoon, REC has restored all outages related to the winter storm that roared through Virginia on Wednesday.

REC Warns of Holiday Time Phone Scams

Saturday | December 19, 2020
REC has received reports of fraudulent callers demanding immediate payment from the cooperative’s member-owners.

Outage Restoration Nearly Complete

Friday | December 18, 2020
As of 5 p.m., REC has restored service to about 98 percent of member-owners who lost power in this week’s winter storm.