It’s time to mark your calendar for the upcoming Tax Free Holiday in Georgia. Thanks to legislation passed during the 2008 session of the Georgia General Assembly, toilets and faucets that carry the WaterSense label will be exempt from Georgia sales tax the weekend of October 2-5.

WaterSense is a certification program created by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA). Products that carry the WaterSense label have been tested to ensure that they meet water efficiency and performance criteria. On average WaterSense products use 20 percent less water than other products. 

Not only can you save sales tax dollars but the City of Roswell, in partnership with the Metropolitan North Georgia Water Planning District, is now participating in the Toilet Rebate Program. The program will allow Roswell residential water customers the opportunity to apply for a rebate if they have installed a new, low flow toilet in their residence. Toilet rebates are limited and will be issued on a first come, first serve basis. Fulton County is also participating in the rebate program. Roswell residents on Fulton County water must contact the county to receive their rebate.

“The first weekend in October is a good time to replace that old toilet,” said Kit Dunlap, Metro Water District chairman. “Not only will residential customers of participating water systems qualify for the rebate, but they’ll also save on the sales tax if they buy their new toilets between October 2 and 5.”

Dunlap continued, “This tax savings gives Georgians an extra incentive to make changes within their homes to conserve water. Residents who take advantage of this sales tax savings will not only save money, but also conserve water for now and for the future. It is a win-win for everyone.”

Thus far, toilets and faucets are the only products that carry the WaterSense label. However, WaterSense is currently creating specifications for urinals, showerheads and other water-using appliances and products. 

The Metro Water District supported the sales tax holiday legislation because water conservation is a top priority for metro Atlanta. Last year’s drought in the northern part of the state prompted the General Assembly to pass the Water Conservation and Drought Relief Act earlier this year. The sales tax exemption for water-efficient products is a component of the Act. 

To find out more about the Tax-Free Holiday, see the Georgia Department of Revenue web site (www.dor.ga.gov/salestax/holiday/index.aspx). For more information on how to apply for the rebate, visit www.northgeorgiawater.org/toiletrebate and download the application form. Customers may also call 404.463.8645. Information about WaterSense is available at www.epa.gov/watersense/pp/index.htm.

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