Michigan will no longer tax tampons, other feminine products

LANSING, Mich. (AP) — Michigan will no longer apply the 6% sales tax to tampons and other feminine hygiene products under legislation signed by Gov. Gretchen Whitmer. The change will take effect in early February.

Supporters of the bill signed Thursday say the products are a necessity, not a luxury, and should be exempt from taxation like other medically necessary prescriptions and items.

“Everyone should be able to take care of their most basic healthcare needs without an unnecessary added financial burden," Whitmer said in a news release.

The law will reduce state sales and use tax revenue by roughly $6.3 million a year, a sliver of Michigan’s $11 billion in annual sales and use tax collections.

About 15 states with sales taxes, including Minnesota, do not tax menstrual hygiene products.