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Covington County commission reaffirms participation in two state sales-tax holidays
Summary
The commission voted to readopt participation in the state’s back-to-school and severe-weather sales-tax holidays after county staff said the state changed the paperwork and submission process.
The Covington County Commission voted to re-adopt participation in two statewide sales-and-use tax holidays after staff said a 2025 state law altered the county’s paperwork and filing requirements.
County staff member Karen explained that the Alabama Legislature passed a new law this session that changes the process counties must follow to opt in to local participation in sales-and-use tax exemptions that the state offers. Karen said Covington County previously participated in a back-to-school sales tax holiday in June and a severe-weather-preparedness holiday typically held in February. She advised commissioners the new law requires a resolution be submitted to the Alabama Department of Revenue by July 1 and that the county’s participation will be posted on a state website.
“It's just a different form that we have to go through,” Karen said, describing the change as administrative rather than creating a new tax. Commissioners moved and seconded a resolution to continue participating in the two holidays, and the motion passed with the ayes called aloud.
The county attorney or staff noted the commission can rescind participation later if it chooses. No changes to tax rates or new taxes were proposed or adopted during the vote; the action was limited to reauthorizing participation under the state’s revised process.
The commission did not identify any immediate fiscal estimate or administrative cost tied to the revised filing process during the discussion. Staff advised commissioners the submission deadline would require the county to act promptly to keep the two holidays on the calendar.
