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US state Michigan exempts feminine hygiene products from sales tax

01 Dec '21

2 min read

Pic: Dm Stock Production | Dreamstime.com

US state Michigan’s governor Gretchen Whitmer recently signed HB 5267 and signed SB 153 to repeal the tax on essential menstrual products, including tampons, driving down costs and saving families from paying taxes on up to $4,800 of spending over the course of a lifetime. Michiganders used to pay a 6 per cent tax tampons, pads and other menstrual products.

“I am proud to be signing legislation that will put Michiganders first, drive down costs on essential products, and lead the way towards creating economic equality for women," said governor Gretchen Whitmer. "Everyone should be able to take care of their most basic healthcare needs without an unnecessary added financial burden.”

"By signing these bills into law and eliminating the tampon tax, Governor Whitmer is taking a step to economically empower women and people with menstrual periods," said Dr Betsey Stevenson, professor of economics at the University of Michigan. "Research shows that low-income women bear the greatest burden from the taxation of menstrual products. Removing this tax makes our tax system fairer and correctly recognises menstrual products for what they are: necessities for health and hygiene."

The typical cost for these products is $7 to $10 per month, which adds up to between $3,360 and $4,800 over the course of a lifetime. Repealing the tax will drive down costs for millions of Michiganders.

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