SUNBRIGHT, Tenn. — The Tennessee legislature passed a bill on Tuesday meant to help people in Sunbright repair and replace items damaged by an early April tornado.
HB 2074 gives Morgan County residents the opportunity to file a sales and use tax refund claim. Effectively, residents could get back money they originally paid in sales tax on purchases like couches, washers or other major purchases. Money from that tax refund could then be used to buy appliances, furniture or supplies to replace and repair items damaged by the storm.
People in Morgan County would need to file their claims by Nov. 1, 2024. The bill also specifically says people would not be required to provide proof of receipt for federal disaster assistance, and the storm does not need to have been federally declared as a natural disaster for people to be eligible for a tax refund.
Applicants need to certify that their homes were damaged or destroyed.
"This is a bill that will provide relief to the victims of a tornado that swept through Sunbright, Tennessee, in Morgan County. By allowing a refund of state sales tax on major purchases, appliances and residential furniture," said Sen. Ken Yager (R - Kingston).
Information about how much money could be included in tax refunds was not immediately available, and neither was information about how people can file a claim. This story will be updated when more information is available.