‘TAMPON TAX’ OFFICIALLY REPEALED

ALBANY, NY—State Senator Sue Serino (R, C, I—Hyde Park) today announced that her bill to repeal the onerous ‘Tampon Tax’ is now in effect, officially exempting feminine hygiene products from the sales and use tax in New York. The Governor signed the bill (S. 7838) in July, repealing the law that has placed undue burden on New York’s women and taxpayers since 1965.  

 “It’s official,” said Senator Serino. “After decades of paying this absurd tax, the notorious ‘Tampon Tax’ is no more. Repealing this law is about empowering New York’s women and our taxpayers—it’s about saying ‘enough is enough’ to over-taxation and out-of-touch tax laws. It is my hope that we can continue moving forward to revamp our tax laws and apply common sense to help make our state more affordable for all New Yorkers.” 

Specifically, the law exempts feminine hygiene products, such as tampons and sanitary napkins, from the state sales and compensating use tax. Sponsored in the Assembly by Assemblymember Linda Rosenthal, the bill passed both houses of the Legislature this year with unanimous support.

New York now joins the ranks of several states which have passed similar legislation and taken steps to recognize these products as basic necessities including New Jersey, Massachusetts, and Pennsylvania.

Serino once again concluded by thanking all those who made their voices heard on this important issue, saying, “There was a groundswell of support for this legislation as soon as it was introduced, and to those in our community and beyond who worked tirelessly to raise awareness and who helped move it up the priority list, I thank you. Together, we have made a real difference for New York’s women and our taxpayers.”

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