North Carolina consumers can take advantage of some major savings on energy efficient appliances during the state’s second annual tax-free weekend for selected ENERGY STAR-rated appliances, which runs Friday, Nov. 6 through Sunday, Nov. 8. Consumers will not have to pay state or local sales taxes on home appliances such as clothes washers, freezers, refrigerators and other items that carry the “Energy Star” label.
“Saving money, conserving our natural resources, and boosting the green economy – that’s a winning combination,” said Gov. Bev Perdue.
Products that earn the “Energy Star” label operate more efficiently and that means they help cut the production of greenhouse gases. These appliances use less energy to save consumers money on their power bills.
Eligible items include: clothes washers, freezers, refrigerators, central air conditioners, room air conditioners, air-source heat pumps, geothermal heat pumps, ceiling fans, dehumidifiers and programmable thermostats. They must carry the “Energy Star” label, meaning they meet the energy efficient standards set by the Environmental Protection Agency and the U.S. Department of Energy.
Designated appliances are exempt from state and local sales and use taxes when purchased between 12:01 a.m. Friday and 11:59 p.m. Sunday. Appliances purchased for use in a trade or business and for rentals are not covered by the exemption. Purchases of qualifying “Energy Star” products by contractors who will install the products in structures for customers are subject to the tax even when purchased during the holiday.
According to the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency and the U.S. Department of Energy, by using “Energy Star” appliances Americans saved enough energy in 2007 to avoid an amount of greenhouse gas emissions equal to the amount released by 27 million cars and Americans also saved $16 billion on their utility bills in 2007.
For additional information, see the N.C. Revenue Department Energy Star tax holiday fact sheet at: http://www.dornc.com/aboutus/education/salestax_holiday_energy_star.pdf.