Regressive Tampon Taxes Worsen Period Poverty

Period products are necessities taxed like luxuries. Typically, items we need to stay alive and healthy, such as food and medicine, are not taxed. Period products should fit into this category. Yet in many states, menstrual supplies are subject to sales tax, which is a regressive tax.  

What is a Regressive Tax?

The best known tax – the income tax – is progressive. That means people who earn more money and can afford it are taxed at higher rates. A regressive tax does not take into account the payer’s income. Thus the burden of a regressive tax is highest for the people who have the least money. Suppose your state sales tax increases the cost of a box of maxi pads by $1. A white collar worker could easily pay the tax, but a minimum wage worker, who already struggles to afford groceries, may have to give up a food item to afford pads.This type of tax structure adds to the  significant burden already faced by people experiencing poverty.

What is Period Poverty?

Regressive taxes contribute to period poverty, where people cannot afford to purchase enough menstrual supplies to manage their periods..  Period poverty causes 1 in 3 low-income women to miss work, school, and other opportunities. Sales taxes on menstrual supplies, called the tampon tax, raise the cost of these items and thus push more people into period poverty.

Why are Tampons Taxed?

The taxes levied on menstrual products are determined by each state. As of September 2022, 22 states charged taxes on period products, with these sales taxes ranging from 4 to 7%. Tampon taxes exist because they generate revenue for the state. Lawmakers often don’t understand the hardship this tax places on their constituents.

Why Tampons Should Not Be Taxed?

State already make choices about what items are essential based on what items are exempt from sales taxes. Only 5 states tax groceries at the same rate a most goods because people understand groceries are a necessity not a luxury. Governments need to start thinking of period products as a basic necessity. 

Are Tampons Tax Free?

That depends on where you are located. As of February 2023, 22 states still charge a sales tax on period products and most local municipalities that have a sales tax include period products. You can find more information including what states have the tampon tax on our taxmpon tax page.

How Can We End Period Poverty?

Period poverty affects two in five people in the US who menstruate. One of the best ways to end regressive tampon taxes is through advocacy. Engaged citizens can encourage government to eliminate taxes on menstrual products, provide funding for programs that address period poverty and enact policies that ensure equal access to menstrual products. For tips on how you can become an advocate, visit our policy center. You can also click here to make a donation to the Alliance for Period Supplies and support our continued advocacy.