Menstrual hygiene products are considered by many states within the United States as “tangible individual property” resulting in additional sales tax. This additional tax increases the overall price and further limits accessibility to menstrual hygiene products to lower income women.

Why we should keep the tampon tax?

Keeping the “tampon tax” could help the government to avoid having the one-size-fits-all type of policy on the people in need and also provide more social equity for the people who need more support.

Where does the tampon tax go?

The revenue collected from the tax on period products was used to fund charities. The Tampon Tax Fund has given £47 million to charities working with vulnerable women and girls since 2015. The fund will continue to support women.

Why is tampon tax unfair?

But as a matter of law, the argument extends far deeper. The tampon tax amounts to sex-based discrimination in violation of the equal protection clause, both under state and federal constitutions — making it more than merely unfair or inequitable, but unconstitutional and therefore illegal.

Why are pads and tampons taxed?

Period advocates all over the world are fighting for the tax exemption of menstrual products to ensure that everyone can manage their periods with safety and dignity. Here’s everything you need to know about how the tampon tax limits access to menstrual products and further perpetuates period poverty.

Are condoms taxed in the UK?

The tampon tax began when the UK introduced VAT in 1973. The tax was applied to sanitary products because they were ruled as ‘non-essential’ commodities. It is worth noting that male razors and condoms are not subject to this luxury tax.

Does tampon tax still exist?

The ‘tampon tax’ has been abolished – with a zero rate of VAT applying to women’s sanitary products coming into effect today (1 January 2021).

Are tampons taxed in Germany?

Many other countries still tax them as ‘luxury’ items. Germany cut back its “tampon tax” this week, with lawmakers repealing a 19 percent tax imposed on tampons, pads and menstrual cups, which until now were classed as “luxury” items.

Are tampons taxed in Australia?

Historically, tampons and pads were taxed as luxury goods and were not considered an area of healthcare. But in 2019, the Morrison government scrapped the 10 per cent tax on pads, tampons, and a selection of other feminine hygiene products.

Are pads taxed as a luxury?

Almost all U.S. states exempt non-luxury necessities such as groceries or prescriptions from sales tax, and yet almost all states charge tax on menstrual products, including pads and cups – despite that these items are considered a necessity by most women.

Are pads and tampons taxed?

In the United States, almost all states tax “tangible individual property” but exempt non-luxury “necessities”: groceries, prescriptions, prosthetics, agriculture supplies, and sometimes clothes—the exemptions vary between states. Most states charge sales tax for women’s pads and tampons.

Why is the Pink tax unethical?

The pink tax is unethical, because it is unfair. Over a decade ago, Coca Cola tried to introduce vending machines which changed prices depending on outside temperature. The idea was to raise the prices of chilled soft drinks on hot summer days and lower them on wintry days.

Why are tampons so expensive?

Even though tampons and other period products are an essential need for women, consumers still have to pay a sales tax on them in 35 states. The average sales tax in the US is 5%, so a $7 box of tampons will cost about 35 cents in taxes.

Are tampons taxed in NY?

New York eliminated the tampon tax in 2016. “This is a regressive tax on essential products that women have had to pay for far too long and lifting it is a matter of social and economic justice,” Governor Andrew Cuomo stated when he signed the law into effect.

Does the Pink tax still exist?

The pink tax isn’t the only upcharge that affects women. Currently, 36 states still apply sales tax to these necessary menstrual items, according to data from Weiss-Wolf’s organization Period Equity. The sales tax on these products vary and are based on the state’s tax code.