ST. LOUIS, MO (KTVI-FOX2Now.com)—
Last year, it was "cash for clunkers" in the car business. This year Uncle Sam is paying you cash to upgrade that old clunker of an appliance.The savings can really add up during the "green" sales tax holiday. The next batch of stimulus spending kicks in next month and it's all about energy efficient appliances. Pick the right energy star appliances and you can actually cash in twice.
From April 19 through April 25 the "Show-Me-Green" sales tax holiday kicks in. State sales tax is waived on clothes washers, water heaters, dishwashers, air conditioners, furnaces, refrigerators and freezers.
In Missouri some local municipalities also waive their sales tax for even more savings. The other program is funded with federal stimulus money. It's called Energize Missouri and it also kicks off April 19th. There's 5.6 million dollars in rebates available to consumers who buy energy star appliances. Just like cash for clunkers once the money runs out it's done.
Under the energize missouri plan rebate amounts include $125 for a gas furnace, $100 for central air conditioning, $75 for clothes washers and dishwashers. Remember, the money is first-come, first-served and it will run out. What won't end are the energy savings from the new, more efficient appliances.
Maximizing your savings with these appliances incentives and rebates takes a little planning. Check the "related links" at the top of this story
