As the Commonwealth continues to recover from severe storms in April, which spawned tornadoes and flooding across Virginia, Virginia Gov. Bob McDonnell announced the Virginia’s Hurricane Preparedness Sales Tax Holiday May 25-31.

The sales tax holiday provides an opportunity for citizens to buy what they need to prepare for possible tropical systems while getting a break on the sales tax. Items like batteries, flashlights, bottled water, and first aid kits, as well as certain bigger-ticket items like generators priced at $1,000 or less, will be exempt from the 5 percent state and local sales tax.

“Our hearts go out to those who were affected by April’s storms,” McDonnell said.  “Now, as we prepare for hurricane season, we hope that the opportunity created by the General Assembly to buy storm-related items tax-free next week will serve as an impetus for citizens of the Commonwealth to make sure they are prepared for the months ahead.”

For more information, visit http://www.tax.virginia.gov.