Virginia energy tax holiday

Updated: Thursday, 01 Oct 2009, 5:02 PM EDT
Published : Thursday, 01 Oct 2009, 5:01 PM EDT

RICHMOND, Va. - Governor Tim Kaine announced Thursday that Virginia will hold its third annual sales tax holiday. Certain ENERGY STAR and WaterSense products are applicable.

During the annual sales tax holiday, Virginians will be exempt from paying sales tax on ENERGY STAR and WaterSense qualified products that cost $2,500 or less. Even products purchased online during the holiday will be exempt from sales tax if the seller has the items in-stock for immediate shipment. Eligible products include energy efficient products such as compact fluorescent light bulbs, ceiling fans, clothes washers, dehumidifiers, dishwashers, programmable thermostats, refrigerators and room air conditioners, and water efficient products such as certain toilets and faucets. Only purchases made for personal, non-commercial will qualify for tax emeption.

Governor Kaine also launched the Virginia Energy Efficiency Appliance Rebate program. It's a new program to encourage the purchase of high-efficiency appliances and products. The program will use $15,000,000 in funds from the American Recovery and Reinvestment act to provide rebates to residential and commercial consumers on certain qualifying appliances and equipment.

Homeowners will be eligible for rebates for 20% of the costs of the products, up to $2,000. Residential consumers will be eligible for rebates on air conditioners, heat pumps, furnaces, hot water heaters, washing machines, dishwashers, and refrigerators, as well as for insulation and replacement windows.

Commercial consumers will be eligible for 20% of their costs up to $4,000. They could receive rebates on heating and cooling equipment, hot water heaters, window replacements, lighting upgrades, high efficiency motors, compressed air and steam system upgrades, as well as insulation and replacement windows.

Rebates will be distributed on a first come-first served basis. Participants will be required to complete an application form.

Governor Kaine also highlighted the availability of federal tax credits made available through the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act. The Home Energy Efficiency Improvement Tax Credits provide a 30% tax credit, up to $1,500 for the purchase and installation of specific products from January 1, 2009 through December 31, 2010. Qualifying products include energy-efficient windows, insulation, doors, roofs, and heating and cooling equipment in existing homes.

http://www.wavy.com/dpp/news/virginia/local_wavy_vaenergytaxholiday_20091001