New York sales tax on tampons and sanitary napkins repealed

ALBANY, N.Y. (AP) – New York state has repealed its tax on tampons and other feminine hygiene products, a move expected to save purchasers $10 million a year.

Democratic Gov. Andrew Cuomo signed the measure into law Thursday.

The measure passed in the Legislature after female legislators complained the tax was sexist because personal products including condoms and bandages are tax-free.

The new law exempts tampons, sanitary napkins and panty liners from the 4 percent state sales tax and from local taxes that generally are about 5 percent. It takes effect in the next sales tax quarter.

Republican Sen. Sue Serino says the repeal is “long overdue.”

Democratic Assemblywoman Linda Rosenthal says New York’s 10 million women of child-bearing age will no longer be burdened by a “regressive” tax every month.

Several other states have enacted or considered similar tax exemptions.