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
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.
-
Gen X? Challenges Lie Ahead as Retirement Nears
Tapping home equity and working longer are key strategies that can help overcome a savings shortfall.
-
How Grandparents Can Help with Education Expenses
Before paying for your grandkids' education, it's important to consider how to help them without risking your own retirement. Here are 10 things to think about.
-
How the 2025 Child Tax Credit Rules Impact Single Parents
Tax Credits New changes to family tax credits, like the Child Tax Credit, will impact the eligibility of some households.
-
How Your 2025 Summer Wedding Could Save You Money on Taxes
Tax Breaks There are some wedding expenses that are tax-deductible, and you don’t want to miss out on savings.
-
Retirees Should Watch These Four Key Tax Changes in 2025
Tax Changes This year brings key tax changes that could affect your retirement taxes and income.
-
Tariff Stimulus Checks Coming? New Proposal Seeks Tax Rebates for US Workers
Tax Breaks A new GOP bill proposes to send $600 in tariff rebate checks to eligible taxpayers. Is there a catch?
-
Biggest Winners and Losers in Trump's New Tax Plan
Tax Law Trump’s mega tax overhaul, known as the ‘One Big Beautiful Bill,’ has distinct winners and losers. Which group do you fall into?
-
Five Ways Trump’s 2025 Tax Bill Could Boost Your Tax Refund (or Shrink It)
Tax Refunds The tax code is changing again, and if you’re filing for 2025, Trump’s ‘big beautiful’ bill could mean a bigger refund, a smaller one or something in between next year. Here are five ways the new law could impact your bottom line.
-
New SALT Deduction Could Put Thousands Back in California Homeowners’ Pockets
Tax Breaks The federal state and local sales tax (SALT) deduction cap is higher this year, and could translate into bigger savings for Golden State homeowners.
-
Money for Your Kids? Three Ways Trump's ‘Big Beautiful Bill’ Impacts Your Child's Finances
Tax Tips The Trump tax bill could help your child with future education and homebuying costs. Here’s how.