Effective March 11, 2021, Virginia House Bill 2185 and Senate Bill 1403 amend the Code of Virginia to add Va. Code § 58.1-609.14, providing a temporary exemption from the Retail Sales and Use Tax for qualifying purchases of personal protective equipment (PPE).

The exemption is only valid for qualifying purchases of PPE made on or after March 11, 2021, and prior to the expiration of the last executive order issued by Governor Northam related to the COVID-19 pandemic and the termination of the COVID-19 Emergency Temporary Standard and any permanent COVID-19 regulations adopted by the Virginia Safety and Health Codes Board. No refunds will be provided regarding purchases made prior to March 11, 2021, or after the expiration of the exemption.

Guidelines for the Retail Sales and Use Tax Exemption for PPE have been published to the Virginia Tax website. For additional information or questions, contact the Virginia Tax Business Customer Service hotline at 804-367-8037.