Virginia Governor Kaine Encourages Virginians to Use Energy Sales Tax Holiday Starting Today

Consumers can purchase energy-efficient products tax free October 9-12; claim state rebates and federal credits on qualifying products

October 09, 2009 -- RICHMOND – Virginia Governor Timothy M. Kaine today encouraged Virginians to take advantage of the state's third annual sales tax holiday on ENERGY STAR and WaterSense-qualified products. During this annual holiday, which will take place October 9-12, consumers can save money by buying certain qualified products tax-exempt, which will also deliver savings for years to come through lower home utility bills.

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As with last year's holiday, high-efficiency products with ENERGY STAR or WaterSense certification will be exempt from sales tax.

"I want to again encourage Virginians to take advantage of our annual sales tax holiday on energy efficient products and the new Energy Efficiency Rebate program this weekend," said Governor Kaine. "These programs are a great way for citizens of the Commonwealth to save money, conserve resources and boost businesses in this tough economy."

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. Only purchases made for personal, non-commercial will qualify for the tax exemption.

In addition to the sales tax holiday, Governor Kaine also encouraged Virginians to participate in the Virginia Energy Efficiency Rebate program and the Renewable Energy Rebate Program program.

Designed to encourage the purchase of high-efficiency equipment and products, the Virginia Energy Efficiency Rebate program will use $15 million in funds from the American Recovery and Reinvestment act to provide rebates to residential and commercial consumers on certain qualifying equipment and products. Consumers wishing to receive a rebate through the Virginia Energy Efficiency Rebate program will be required to complete an application form, which are available online from the Department of Mines, Minerals and Energy.

The Renewable Energy Rebate Program provides rebates on purchases made after June 25, 2009. Rebates will be based on the capacity of the generating system-for example a residential photovoltaic system is eligible for $2,000 per kilowatt, up to 10 kilowatts in size. Residential and commercial consumers can receive a $1,000 per kilowatt rebate for solar hot water systems.

Governor Kaine also emphasized the availability of federal tax credits, made available through the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act, which apply to the purchase and installation of specific products from January 1, 2009, through December 31, 2010. More information on the federal tax credits is available at www.energystar.gov.

More information on the Virginia Energy Efficiency Rebate program is available online at www.dmme.virginia.gov. More information on the ENERGY STAR and WaterSense annual sales tax holiday, including a list of qualifying products, is available from the Virginia Department of Taxation.

Today's announcement comes as Governor Kaine continues to advance his "Renew Virginia" initiative-an effort to promote renewable energy, create green jobs, and encourage preservation of the environment. During his administration, Governor Kaine has incentivized the production of cleaner energy, surveyed the emissions of facilities previously grandfathered out of the Clean Air act, dedicated over a billion dollars to Chesapeake Bay cleanup, protected nearly 350,000 acres of open space, and led the effort to promote regional cooperation to combat climate change.

Source: Virginia Governor