Louisiana ends “Pink Tax”

by TaxJar October 13, 2023

Please note: This blog was originally published in 2020. It’s since been updated for accuracy and comprehensiveness.

Louisiana lawmakers voted to end sales tax on feminine hygiene products and diapers in July 2022.

With this vote, Louisiana became one of only a handful of states that exempt feminine hygiene products from sales tax.

What does this mean for retailers and consumers?

With the passage of House Bill 7, Louisiana lawmakers have exempted both feminine hygiene products and diapers from Louisiana’s 4.45% state sales tax and, in most cases, from local sales tax.

The bill defines feminine hygiene products as: “tampons, menstrual pads, sanitary napkins, panty liners, menstrual sponges, and menstrual cups, including disposable and washable versions of these items.” The exemption also includes diapers for both children and adults.

House Bill 7 went into effect on July 1, 2022.

What is the Pink Tax?

Encouraging states and local areas to exempt feminine hygiene products from sales tax is part of a larger movement to end the “pink tax.”

Many states provide a sales tax exemption for necessities, such as medication. However, most states don’t include products like tampons or menstrual cups in the exemption, even though people who deal with a menstrual cycle would beg to differ about the necessity of these items. In other words, while items like medication are considered necessities and not taxed, feminine hygiene products are seen as and taxed as luxuries.

Does TaxJar handle “pink tax” sales tax exemptions?

Yes — if you sell diapers or feminine hygiene products, TaxJar has your back. Just code your applicable products with the appropriate Product Tax Code and we’ll ensure that you collect (or don’t collect) the right amount of sales tax from your customers in each state, county, parish, city or special taxing district.

Ready to automate sales tax? To learn more about TaxJar and get started, visit TaxJar.com/product.