Texas Will No Longer Tax Menstrual Products and Some Family Care Products

A recent law that could save many Texans a significant amount of money went into effect. As of Sept. 1, menstrual and baby care products will no longer be taxed. Shoppers were previously charged a 6.25% sales tax when buying these items. But a state tax-relief bill that passed earlier this year has now made eligible purchases tax free.

The tampon tax is no more in Texas

Texas joins 23 other U.S. states and the District of Columbia in eliminating sales tax on menstrual products. Before a recent state law was signed into law, such products were classified as optional -- despite being very much a necessity for many people statewide.

But since Sept. 1, these products are considered essential and are tax free. Products such as tampons, menstrual cups, and menstrual pads will no longer be taxed. This news is a significant win for the bank accounts of Texans. Over time, the savings will add up.

In addition, some family care items will no longer be taxed. Diapers are one typical expense parents pay for that was taxed until recently. But as of Sept. 1, they're no longer taxed. Other eligible tax-free family care items include baby wipes, baby bottles, breast milk pumps, and maternity clothing.

Preparing for and caring for young children can be extremely expensive, so this is welcome news for parents of babies and those currently expecting. According to research from the Texas Diaper Bank, an organization that supplies diapers to families in need, it costs $125 per month to diaper a baby. That's $1,500 a year to diaper one child.

Considering the annual cost of diapers for one child, Texas parents will now save $93.75 per year by no longer having to pay tax on this necessary purchase.

Hopefully, more states will implement tax-saving changes like this. Imposing taxes on necessary products like diapers and pads makes every day more costly for the average person.

By making items like this tax free, Americans can feel some relief at the checkout aisle and may be less likely to go without the personal care products they need.

Four ways to save money when buying everyday essentials

Whether buying tampons, diapers, toilet paper, milk, or bread, you may be looking for ways to keep more money in your pocket. By being strategic when you shop, you can save some money and earn rewards.

Here are a few tips:

1. Shop sale items and compare prices. Before making your weekly shopping list, review local retailers' sales fliers. You can keep your spending to a minimum by purchasing store-brand items and sale items. It's also a good idea to compare prices from other nearby stores to get the best deal.
2. Become a warehouse club member. By joining a warehouse club like Costco, you could save money by purchasing items in bulk. You'll get a deal and be stocked up for a while, which could help you save time by minimizing trips to the store.
3. Use cash back apps. You can earn cash back when you shop by using one of the best cash back apps. These apps reward you for making eligible purchases. While you won't get an immediate discount on your shopping bill, you can later cash out your earnings.
4. Use rewards credit cards. When you use rewards credit cards, you can earn points, miles, or cash back. You'll accumulate rewards as you spend money with your credit cards, and you can later redeem your rewards to pay yourself back for everyday purchases.

For additional money-saving tips, check out our personal finance resources.