End the Tampon Tax in South Carolina

Period products such as tampons, pads, and even reusables like menstrual cups and period underwear are taxed by the state.

Taxes on period products should be abolished. The people who buy and use these products are doing so to take care of a biological function. States profit from the taxes levied on necessary products while other items, such as Viagra or hair growth shampoos for men, are often untaxed. South Carolina Representative Krystle N. Matthews proposed a bill to end taxes on period products in 2019. Read on to see how you can help.

According to research from Period Equity — a group helping to spearhead a nationwide effort to get 30 states on board to remove taxes on pads, tampons and other products — the tampon tax costs S.C. people $3.8 million a year and nationwide $150 million a year.

Last year the proposed bill timed out before a vote out but we have a chance once again to end the unfair taxation on period products in South Carolina. I spoke with Rep. Krystle N. Matthews who proposed the legislation in 2019, and there is still hope for bill H 3747 to move forward.

The SC Ways and Means Committee will hear the bill this week. As with all proposed legislation your voice matters. That’s why it’s important for all of us to write or call representatives to make sure they know the public supports making period products tax-free. The committee will meet on Tuesday, March 16. If the bill doesn’t make it thorugh committee it has no chance.