North Carolina’s Controversial Tampon Tax: A Comprehensive Overview

Does NC have a tampon tax?
Each year, North Carolinian menstruators are taxed thousands on tampons and pads. According to North Carolina law, menstrual products are deemed non-essential goods and taxed at 4.75%, with an additional 2-3%, thereby implying that menstrual hygiene is unnecessary — a luxury.
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Women in the US have to pay more for their menstrual cycles. The “tampon tax” is a charge for purchasing feminine hygiene items. This tax is levied by a number of states, including North Carolina, and has generated discussion and controversy in recent years.

The tampon tax has been a misogynistic burden on women for many years. It is a sales tax on items that are crucial for women’s health and hygiene, such as tampons, pads, and menstruation cups. Advocates contend that these goods ought to be treated as fundamental necessities and exempt from taxation, much like other necessities like food and medication.

The sales tax rate on feminine hygiene items, such as tampons and pads, in North Carolina is 4.75%. In addition to state and local sales taxes, this tax is added, increasing the price of these goods for women. The state’s general fund receives the money collected from this tax, which is then used to pay for a variety of services and activities.

Tampon tax detractors claim that it unfairly burdens women. They contend that it is a regressive tax that disproportionately hurts low-income women, who could find it difficult to afford these necessary items. Additionally, they contend that the tax is unjust since it favors one gender over another and does not apply to other necessities like Viagra, which is exempt from tax in North Carolina.

Tampon taxes have been abolished in North Carolina for a number of years. The North Carolina General Assembly received a bill in 2016 that would exempt feminine hygiene products from paying sales tax. The tampon tax remained in force despite the fact that the bill failed to pass.

In conclusion, North Carolina does impose a discriminatory tax on women’s health and hygiene known as a tampon tax. Products that are crucial for women’s health and wellness are now more expensive due to the tax. The tampon tax still exists despite continued efforts to get it removed, burdening women in the state unfairly.