Nevada voters just gave themselves some state and local sales tax relief. Senate Bill 428, which appeared on the November ballot, wiped away diaper taxes for millions of Nevadans.
In doing so, the Silver State follows a national trend in lowering the number of states that still tax diapers.
This sales tax relief, which goes into effect as of January 1, 2025, is welcome, but it may just be a drop in the bucket.
From just $107.88 $24.99 for Kiplinger Personal Finance
Become a smarter, better informed investor. Subscribe from just $107.88 $24.99, plus get up to 4 Special Issues
Sign up for Kiplinger’s Free Newsletters
Profit and prosper with the best of expert advice on investing, taxes, retirement, personal finance and more - straight to your e-mail.
Profit and prosper with the best of expert advice - straight to your e-mail.
According to the U.S. Department of Labor, childcare costs have risen between 58% and 74%, with higher rates reported among infants and toddlers. Data indicate diaper costs are up 32% from five years ago.
So while Nevadans join other states in offering diaper tax relief, residents aren’t out of the woods just yet — rising childcare costs may cause families to seek more ways to save.
Nevada eliminates tax on diapers
Thanks to voters who approved the measure, Nevadans and tourists in-state will soon be able to purchase diapers tax-free.
From Jan. 1, 2025, through Dec. 31, 2050, all diaper purchases will be exempt from:
- The state’s 6.85% tax rate.
- Local taxes of up to 1.55%.
Families could save hundreds of dollars:
- According to the National Diaper Bank, the average household spends about $1,080 per year on diapers.
- The new law could provide a Nevada family with two diaper-aged children up to $168 in yearly tax savings.
But is this enough?
While the Silver State becomes the 26th in the United States to exempt this tax (joining others like Florida, New York, and California) the trend may emphasize a larger, growing need for childcare relief in the U.S.
Why have childcare costs gone up in the United States?
Earlier this year, accounting firm KPMG released an analysis that showed the cost of daycare and preschool has risen 263% in the last 34 years. The report also estimated that childcare costs are deemed affordable when they make up only 7% of parent income.
Today, estimated care costs require 10% to 20% of family income.
Feeding into those higher costs is increased inflation. Though inflation has recently cooled to pre-pandemic levels, common household goods, like groceries, paper products, formula, and other family essentials continue to be priced high.
A September Department of Labor consumer report showed baby formula and food as part of that higher cost. Compared to last year, early development costs have gone up 3.5 percentage points.
With all these price increases, families may feel overwhelmed. Fortunately, there are a few ways your family may save more money. And not just on diapers.
Federal child tax credits and more ways to save
For starters, families should take advantage of any federal tax credits for which they are eligible.
Here are a few examples:
- Child tax credit. Provides up to $2,000 per child under the age of 17.
- Adoption tax credit. Inflation-adjusted amount which offers $16,810 per eligible child.
- Earned income tax credit. Gives low-to-moderate-income families a tax refund of up to $7,830 (for tax year 2024).
If you live in a state with income tax, don’t forget to check your eligibility for your state’s child tax credits and earned income credits.
Additionally, be sure to buy items in bulk and buy generic when possible. According to the CDC, shoppers can save an average of 20%-30% when purchasing no-name brands.
Finally, if you need help getting baby supplies for your family, you can contact nonprofit organizations in your local community.
Diaper banks, like Baby’s Bounty, provide low-income families with diapers, wipes, and various other essentials — all at no cost to you.
Related Content
-
Dow Adds 646 Points, Hits New Highs: Stock Market TodayIt was "boom" for the Dow but "bust" for the Nasdaq following a December Fed meeting that was less hawkish than expected.
-
5 Types of Gifts the IRS Won’t Tax: Even If They’re BigGift Tax Several categories of gifts don’t count toward annual gift tax limits. Here's what you need to know.
-
The 'Scrooge' Strategy: How to Turn Your Old Junk Into a Tax DeductionTax Deductions We break down the IRS rules for non-cash charitable contributions. Plus, here's a handy checklist before you donate to charity this year.
-
5 Types of Gifts the IRS Won’t Tax: Even If They’re Big
Gift Tax Several categories of gifts don’t count toward annual gift tax limits. Here's what you need to know.
-
The 'Scrooge' Strategy: How to Turn Your Old Junk Into a Tax Deduction
Tax Deductions We break down the IRS rules for non-cash charitable contributions. Plus, here's a handy checklist before you donate to charity this year.
-
IRS Says You Made a Tax Return Mistake? A New Law Could Help You Fight BackTax Law Updated taxpayer protections change what the IRS must explain on error notices and how long you have to respond.
-
Tax Refund Alert: House GOP Predicts 'Average' $1,000 Payouts in 2026Tax Refunds Here's how the IRS tax refund outlook for 2026 is changing and what steps you can take now to prepare.
-
New IRS Changes to FSA Contribution Limits for 2026: What to KnowHealth Care Flexible Spending Accounts have tax advantages worth looking into, especially in light of new IRS changes.
-
Is a New $25,000 Health Care Tax Deduction Coming in 2026?Tax Policy A proposal from GOP Sen. Josh Hawley adds to the chatter about health care affordability.
-
Are You Middle-Class? Here's the Most Tax-Friendly State for Your FamilyTax Tips We found the state with no income tax, low property tax bills and exemptions on groceries and medicine.
-
Costco Sues Over Trump Tariffs: What Could That Mean for Prices in 2026?Tariffs The retailer is making headlines not just for its famous hot dog and gold bars but for suing the Trump administration over tariffs.
