Texas Tampon Tax is Now Eliminated
The new sales tax exemption for feminine hygiene products in Texas, known as the 'tampon tax,' is now effective. Here's what it means for you.
The Texas tampon tax is finally eliminated. That means Texans no longer pay state sales tax on menstrual products, such as tampons and sanitary pads. Texas is the 25th state to eliminate sales tax on feminine hygiene products, also sometimes referred to as the "pink tax" or "tampon tax."
Although the legislation was finalized in June, efforts to eliminate the pink tax in Texas began last year when several state lawmakers voiced support for the proposal.
“Every woman knows that these products are not optional. They are essential to our health and well-being and should be tax exempt,” Texas Senate Committee on Finance chairwoman Sen. Joan Huffman said in a release last year.
Sign up for Kiplinger’s Free E-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.
What is the Texas 'tampon tax'?
The tampon tax or "period tax" refers to the sales tax on the already high price of tampons. Tampons are taxed by some states as luxury goods, even though millions of menstruating women consider tampons to be necessities. The tampon tax is a form of "pink tax." The pink tax also sometimes refers to sales tax on women’s menstrual products. But the term can also apply to products traditionally marketed to women at higher prices than similar products designed for or primarily marketed to men.
Until now, menstrual products were considered luxury items in Texas. However, a Texas sales tax relief bill passed earlier this year recognizes these products as essentials. Under the new legislation, effective September 1, 2023, the following types of products are exempt from the state’s 6.25% sales tax rate.
- Tampons and sanitary napkins
- Menstrual sponges and menstrual pads
- Any items similar to those above “for the principal purpose of feminine hygiene in connection with the menstrual cycle or postpartum care”
What other states are getting rid of the pink tax?
Texas is the only state to finalize its tampon tax legislation so far this year. However, lawmakers in several other states have proposed eliminating sales tax on period products and haven't yet succeeded.
These include Arizona, Georgia, Hawaii, Indiana, Kansas, Kentucky, Mississippi, North Dakota, South Carolina, South Dakota and West Virginia.
Tampon tax history
Eliminating sales taxes on menstrual products has become more common in recent years. Including Texas, 25 states have made menstrual products tax-exempt. According to the Alliance for Period Supplies, nine states passed sales tax exemptions in 2021 and 2022 alone.
- Vermont, Maine, Michigan, Louisiana, and New Mexico passed legislation to exempt menstrual products in 2021.
- Nebraska, Colorado, Iowa, and Virginia banned the pink tax in 2022.
However, banning sales tax on women’s hygiene products isn't a new concept.
- Minnesota eliminated sales tax on tampons in 1981 when health products were made tax-exempt.
- Pennsylvania became the second to stop taxing tampons in 1991.
- New Jersey joined the list in 2005.
- Since 2016, the list of states without a pink tax has grown every year.
Related Content
Get Kiplinger Today newsletter — free
Profit and prosper with the best of Kiplinger's advice on investing, taxes, retirement, personal finance and much more. Delivered daily. Enter your email in the box and click Sign Me Up.
Katelyn has more than 6 years of experience working in tax and finance. While she specialized in tax content while working at Kiplinger from 2023 to 2024, Katelyn has also written for digital publications on topics including insurance, retirement, and financial planning and had financial advice commissioned by national print publications. She believes knowledge is the key to success and enjoys providing content that educates and informs.
-
Why Uber Stock Is Volatile After GM's Cruise Announcement
Uber stock is swinging this week following news that General Motors is restructuring its Cruise unit. Here's what you need to know.
By Joey Solitro Published
-
UnitedHealth Stock Falls as Lawmakers Eye Insurers, PBMs
UnitedHealth stock is continuing to fall Thursday after the introduction of bipartisan legislation targeting PBMs and healthcare giants. Here's what to know.
By Joey Solitro Published
-
Five Tax-Savvy Ways To Donate This Holiday Season
Charitable Donations Food pantries, toy drives, and animal sanctuaries are popular ways to support others year-round.
By Gabriella Cruz-Martínez Published
-
Can Tariffs Make Childcare More Affordable?
Tariffs President-elect Trump suggested tariffs can address the childcare crisis, but economists are doubtful.
By Gabriella Cruz-Martínez Published
-
Are You a Renter? You Could Save on Taxes
Tax Breaks With these tax savings at your fingertips, rent may be more affordable
By Kate Schubel Last updated
-
2025 Open Enrollment: Some DACA Recipients Can Purchase Affordable Care Act Health Insurance
Open Enrollment Your eligibility to purchase health insurance from the federal marketplace may have changed. Here's what you need to know.
By Gabriella Cruz-Martínez Published
-
Holiday Shopping Tax Tips for Business Owners
Tax Deductions Before hitting the sales, businesses should know these key deductions and look out for overspending.
By Kate Schubel Last updated
-
NYC Congestion Pricing: Ghost Tax or Necessary Fee?
State Taxes Drivers headed to Manhattan’s downtown district will face a new $9 toll in January.
By Gabriella Cruz-Martínez Published
-
Tax Credit vs. Tax Deduction: What’s the Difference?
Tax Breaks Your guide to tax deductions and credits, how the IRS treats them differently, and how they impact your tax bill.
By Kate Schubel Published
-
Premium Tax Credit: Are You Eligible For This Health Insurance Tax Break?
Tax Credits The tax credit can help qualifying individuals pay for coverage from the Affordable Care Act’s health insurance marketplace.
By Gabriella Cruz-Martínez Published