Can you claim menstrual products on taxes?

What states have banned the pink tax?

Only two states — New York and California — have made it illegal to have gender-based pricing, also known as the “pink tax,” which is the practice of charging different (often higher) prices for goods or services marketed to women than for men.

Why is there no tax on tampons?

The sales and use tax exempts items that are deemed the “necessities of life” such as food or medicine.

Why does the pink tax exist?

The pink tax refers to the tendency for products marketed specifically toward women to be more expensive than those marketed toward men. This phenomenon is often attributed to gender-based price discrimination, however research shows that the primary cause is women sorting into goods with higher marginal costs.

How much is the pink tax?

'Pink Tax': Women paying more than men for the same products

A report from the Progressive Policy Institute shows the average tariff rate on women's underwear is 15.5% compared to 11.5% for men's underwear, which means the tax women are paying is 3.5% higher than men.

Why is period poverty an issue?

Poor hygiene measures during menstruation can pose serious health risks, such as reproductive and urinary tract infections, thrush, and others. Menstruators require access to sanitary facilities, clean water, and affordable, safe menstrual products in order to have a healthy and secure period.

Why are period products taxed?

Across roughly half of the country, menstrual hygiene products are viewed as luxury items, rather than necessities, and are not exempted from sales taxes — leaving low-income people struggling to afford them.

Are tampons tax deductible?

Starting in 2020, the federal government considers menstrual products as a qualified medical expense.

Which country has free tampons?

Scotland is the first country to offer period products free of charge on a national scale. Others, including New Zealand and Kenya, distribute products for free in public schools. In the U.S., a package of tampons or menstrual pads costs around $7 to $10 for a supply that may last a month or two.

Why are period products free?

By making pads and tampons free, it would not only save money from buying them, but it would also save money from buying new pants/ leggings/ trousers. An estimation of around 20% of industrial water pollution is from garment manufacturing, which contributes to climate change.

Are all menstrual products FSA eligible?

Yes! All period products, including menstrual pads, have been deemed “medical expenses,” by the CARES Act, which means you can use your HSA to pay for them.

How can I get free pads and tampons?

Food banks, diaper banks, and shelters typically offer free menstrual products. Alliance for Period Supplies is an organization sponsored by U by Kotex. If you or someone you know needs period supplies, text 211 or visit 211.org to find a location near you that offers free tampons and pads.

Are women's razors taxed?

Charging more for pink razors or other items marketed to women will become illegal in California on January 1. Often called the "pink tax," the practice of charging different prices for men and women for similar goods and services will no longer be tolerated in the state.

How do I avoid the pink tax?

Why are feminine products 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.

Who benefits from the pink tax?

When a company sells a pink product (the female version) for more than a blue product (the male version), the additional revenue from the pink product does not go to the government. The only beneficiaries of the "pink tax" are the companies who charge women more than men.

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.

What is the pink tax in 2023?

As of January 1, 2023, California businesses are prohibited from charging a different price for any two goods that are substantially similar, “if those goods are priced differently based on the gender of the individuals for whom the goods are marketed and intended.”

How much does a woman spend on period products in her lifetime?

The average person who menstruates has about 450 periods in their lifetime; with an average of $20 spent on menstrual products per cycle, the cost builds over time to an estimated $9,000 over a lifetime.

Does CVS not tax tampons?

Core CVS Pharmacy locations will pay the so-called “pink tax” on CVS Health brand period products for its customers. The policy is part of the company's effort to help eliminate the pink tax and the tampon tax nationwide and help combat period poverty.

What is the highest tampon tax?

A recent research article found that three Scandinavian countries — Sweden, Denmark, and Norway — have some of the highest “tampon tax” percentages in the world at 25%. Hungary tops the ranking at #1 with the highest tax being 27%.