The Tennessee Department of Revenue reminded Tennessee residents impacted by December’s severe weather that they are potentially eligible for sales tax refunds on home appliances, home furniture, and home building supplies, as they rebuild after storms, according to a press release,

“A month ago severe weather impacted many Tennesseans,” Revenue Commissioner David Gerregano said in a statement Thursday. “We want to make sure people know this help is available.”

To be eligible for a refund, residents must be receiving financial assistance from the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) for the repair, replacement, or construction of their primary home that was damaged or destroyed, the press release states.

To receive a refund, Tennessee residents must file a claim with the department of revenue on the Tennessee Taxpayer Access Point (TNTAP) website. Claims can be filed up to one year from the date on the FEMA decision letter, according to the press release.

When filing a claim on TNTAP, the department of revenue clarifies:

  • Eligible items are major appliances purchased for $3,200 or less, residential furniture purchased for $3,200 or less, and residential building supplies purchased for $500 or less.
  • The maximum amount of refund available to any one residence is $2,500.
  • A person can file only ONE claim for a primary residence. The claim should include all Tennessee sales and use tax paid, up to $2,500, to all retailers for any eligible items. Receipts and invoices should be compiled and tracked so that all eligible items purchased after the date of the disaster from all retailers can be submitted at one time.

A full list of items eligible and ineligible for the sales tax refund on the Natural Disaster Refund Claim can be found here.

For a step-by-step guide on filing a sales tax refund claim and for additional information regarding a refund, click here.

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Kaitlin Housler is a reporter at The Tennessee Star and The Star News Network. Email tips to [email protected]