Missouri has joined a growing number of states in reducing taxes on essential hygiene products, including diapers and menstrual care items such as tampons, pads, cups, and period underwear.
The new law, effective last week, lowers the state’s “luxury” sales tax from 4.225% to 1.225%, the same rate applied to groceries and other necessities. The measure was passed in May as part of a broader bill repealing Missouri’s capital gains tax.
In addition to baby and adult incontinence products, menstrual hygiene items are now included in the tax exemption. Missouri had previously been among about two dozen states maintaining higher taxes on diapers and one of 19 states taxing period products as a “luxury.” This year, it joined Alabama in eliminating both taxes.
“Imagine the need for sanitary products being called a luxury,” said state Rep. Raychel Proudie, D-Ferguson, during a House committee hearing. “Anyone who has experienced such a luxury once a month would strongly disagree with that classification.”
Advocates highlight the inequity of taxing menstrual products while exempting items like erectile dysfunction treatments. Trish Vincent, director of the Missouri Department of Revenue, called the change “meaningful relief for Missouri families.”
Missouri saw a record number of legislators supporting the measure this year, with 17 bills introduced, according to the National Diaper Bank Network. Nearly half of U.S. families with children under 4 reported diaper insecurity in a 2024 study by the Network and YouGov. Among those affected, 79% of mothers reported stress, anxiety, and loneliness tied to affording diapers.
The St. Louis Area Diaper Bank hailed the law as a “monumental win for families across Missouri.” One in four parents experiencing diaper insecurity reported missing an average of five days of school or work per month because they could not provide diapers for child care.
Period product accessibility also affects attendance. The Alliance for Period Supplies estimates two in five people struggle to afford menstrual supplies, leading to missed school and work.
State Sen. Barbara Washington, D-Kansas City, a supporter of the tax cuts, also proposed legislation to provide free period products in public schools starting in fourth grade, though the bill did not advance.
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