Hailey
Missouri has taken a big step to make life easier for families. Starting now, diapers and period products such as pads, tampons, menstrual cups, and period underwear will no longer be taxed at the old “luxury” rate.
Instead, these items will be taxed at the lower rate of 1.225%, the same as basic groceries. This new law gives real financial relief to parents, women, and caregivers across the state.
Why This Change Matters
For years, diapers and menstrual products were unfairly taxed as “luxury items.” Families argued that these are not luxuries but basic needs. Missouri lawmakers finally agreed and passed this law in May 2025 as part of a larger tax reform bill.
Previously, the state charged a 4.225% sales tax on these products. Now, that tax has been reduced to 1.225%.
What Products Are Included
This law covers:
- Baby diapers
- Adult incontinence products
- Menstrual products (pads, tampons, cups, underwear)
Basically, anything essential for hygiene and care is now taxed at the lower rate.
States Taking Action
Missouri is not alone in making this change. Many states are starting to remove the unfair “pink tax” or “diaper tax.” In 2025, Missouri joined Alabama in eliminating both diaper and period product taxes.
| Item | Old Tax Rate | New Tax Rate |
|---|---|---|
| Diapers (baby/adult) | 4.225% | 1.225% |
| Period products (pads, etc.) | 4.225% | 1.225% |
| Groceries (comparison) | 1.225% | 1.225% |
Why Families Needed This Relief
Studies show how serious this issue is:
- In 2024, nearly half of U.S. families with children under age 4 reported facing diaper insecurity (not having enough diapers).
- Around 79% of mothers in this group said they felt stressed or anxious about affording diapers.
- Parents without enough diapers often miss work or school, because childcare centers require parents to provide them. On average, families in need reported missing five days a month for this reason.
- For period supplies, the Alliance for Period Supplies estimates that 2 in 5 women struggle to afford basic menstrual products, leading to missed school and work.
Voices Behind the Change
Many lawmakers and advocates pushed for this bill.
- State Rep. Raychel Proudie argued that calling sanitary products a luxury is unfair: “Any of us who has experienced such a luxury once a month would argue strongly against that.”
- State Sen. Barbara Washington also supported the bill and even filed a proposal requiring free period products in schools, though it didn’t move forward.
- The St. Louis Area Diaper Bank called the change a “monumental win for families.”
Even Missouri’s Department of Revenue Director, Trish Vincent, said the new law “provides meaningful relief for Missouri families.”
The Bigger Picture
This year alone, Missouri lawmakers introduced 17 bills to address the diaper tax, more than any other state. Finally, families are seeing results.
By reducing taxes on these essentials, the state is helping ease financial stress and improve health and education outcomes for both children and women.
Missouri’s decision to lower the tax on diapers and period products is more than just a financial change—it’s a step toward fairness and dignity. Families should never have to choose between paying bills and buying diapers or period supplies.
With this new law, Missouri joins a growing number of states recognizing that these essentials should be treated like necessities, not luxuries. This progress shows how laws can directly improve everyday life for parents and women across the state.