Louisiana Hurricane Preparedness Sales Tax Holiday 2026 (May 30–31): What to Buy + Tax-Holiday Shopping List

Louisiana’s Hurricane Preparedness Sales Tax Holiday is a two-day, seasonal opportunity to buy specific storm-prep items with an exemption from state sales tax. In 2026, it falls on May 30–31 (the last Saturday and Sunday of May). The exemption applies to the first $1,500 of the sales price of each eligible item, which makes this weekend especially useful for larger purchases like a portable generator or storm shutter devices.

Quick snapshot (save this)

Practice shows this weekend works best when you treat it like a focused “buy list” run. Use the snapshot below to plan your purchase and avoid last-minute panic shopping later in the season.

• When: May 30–31, 2026
• What you get: State sales tax exemption on the first $1,500 of each eligible hurricane-preparedness item
• Best use: Buy higher-cost eligible items and restock the essentials you’ll actually use during an outage

If you only do one thing, decide your “power + food + communication” plan first, then shop around that plan.

Eligible items (what qualifies)

The state rule lists specific hurricane-preparedness items that qualify during the holiday. Use this as your “eligible list” so you don’t waste time guessing at checkout.

• Portable self-powered light sources (including candles and flashlights)
• Portable self-powered radios, two-way radios, and weather band radios
• Tarpaulins or other flexible waterproof sheeting
• Ground anchor systems or tie-down kits
• Gas or diesel fuel tanks
• Packages of AAA, AA, C, D, 6-volt, or 9-volt batteries (excluding automobile and boat batteries)
• Cell phone batteries and cell phone chargers
• Nonelectric food storage coolers
• Portable generators used to provide light, communications, or preserve food during a power outage
• Storm shutter devices (materials/products manufactured, rated, and marketed specifically to help prevent window damage)
• Carbon monoxide detectors
• Reusable freezer packs (for example, “blue ice”)

Budget tip: prioritize items that preserve food and communication first (cooler, freezer packs, chargers, batteries, radio), then stabilization items (tarps, tie-downs), then larger equipment (generator).

The “3-bucket cart” (a smarter way to shop this weekend)

Instead of buying random items, build your cart in three buckets. This keeps the purchase practical and prevents overspending on things you won’t use.

1. Bucket 1: Stay informed + stay connected. Weather radio or two-way radio, phone charger, backup phone battery, and the right battery sizes for the devices you already own.
2. Bucket 2: Keep food safe. Nonelectric cooler and reusable freezer packs so you can manage short outages without throwing everything away.
3. Bucket 3: Reduce preventable damage. Tarps, waterproof sheeting, and tie-down kits to stabilize and protect surfaces if wind-driven rain becomes an issue.

If your budget allows, add a portable generator and a safe, compliant fuel plan as a separate decision, not an impulse purchase.

Important note about taxes at checkout

This is designed as a state sales tax exemption. Depending on where you shop, you may still see local parish/city sales taxes collected at checkout. That’s normal, and timing your purchase can still be worthwhile when you’re buying higher-cost eligible items.

Where the holiday does not apply

The state exemption does not apply to eligible items sold by vendors located at certain types of locations. If the exemption doesn’t show up at checkout, this is a common reason.

• Airports
• Public lodging establishments or hotels (including similar lodging businesses)
• Convenience stores (as defined by the state rule)
• Entertainment complexes

If you want the cleanest checkout experience, shop at standard retail locations and keep your receipt details.

Printable tax-holiday shopping list (copy/paste)

This is intentionally focused on purchases and documentation for May 30–31. For a full storm-readiness checklist, use the link in the next section.

Eligible items to buy or restock

Print tip: use your browser’s Print option and select “Save as PDF” if you want a copy on your phone.

• [ ] Flashlights / portable light sources
• [ ] Candles
• [ ] Weather radio / two-way radio
• [ ] Batteries (AAA/AA/C/D/6V/9V)
• [ ] Cell phone charger + backup battery
• [ ] Nonelectric cooler
• [ ] Reusable freezer packs
• [ ] Tarps / waterproof sheeting
• [ ] Tie-down kit / ground anchors
• [ ] Carbon monoxide detector
• [ ] Portable generator (if needed)
• [ ] Gas or diesel fuel tank (if needed)
• [ ] Storm shutters / rated shutter materials

Optional: write your target budget next to each item so you stay on plan and avoid duplicate purchases.

Receipt + warranty mini-kit

These small details help with returns, warranty support, and documentation later. Keep them together from day one.

• [ ] Put all receipts in one envelope or folder
• [ ] Write down model numbers (generator, radios, detectors)
• [ ] Store warranty cards or registration links with receipts
• [ ] Note where each item is stored in the house

This takes minutes now and saves time when a storm is actually on the map.

Need the official 2026 hurricane names + a full readiness checklist?

If you want the official 2026 Atlantic hurricane names and a broader storm-readiness format (including a simple decision ladder and a one-page checklist), use this guide: 2026 Hurricane Names List (Atlantic) + Printable Storm Guide.

FAQ

Do online orders count during the holiday?

State guidance covers multiple qualifying purchase scenarios, including certain delivery and order timing conditions. If you’re ordering online, place the order during the holiday window and keep the order confirmation and checkout receipt.

Why did I still see tax at checkout?

Common reasons include local parish/city taxes still applying, the cart including non-qualifying items, or the purchase being made at a vendor location that is excluded under the rule (such as certain venues listed above).

Is there a price cap?

Yes. The exemption applies to the first $1,500 of the sales price of each eligible hurricane-preparedness item.

Want to tighten up your home before hurricane season? Southern Home Improvement Center (SHIC) can help you spot roof and exterior weak points early and document post-storm issues when weather hits. Call Slidell / Northshore at (985) 643-6611, Baton Rouge at (225) 766-4244, or Mississippi Gulf Coast at (228) 467-7484 to request a free estimate.