A Dip in Diaper Taxes

In 2021, the Florida Senate came up with a Tax Exemption for Diapers and Incontinence Products which would exempt a sales tax for diapers, incontinence undergarments, incontinence pads, and liners. The full span did not go into effect and only the diapers themselves were included in the final budget for 2023 as it was in 2022. Recently, however, Sen. Book (D) introduced the legislation again, pushing it to expand the items without limiting it to a single year. This falls in line on both sides of the aisle as it aligns with a bipartisan priority comment made by Gov. Ron DeSantis at various events. Furthermore, a similar bill has been introduced in the House Ways & Means Committee by Democrat Eskamani in the House. “Now, Rep. Eskamani and are continuing to fight for a permanent exemption on all diapers — including adult incontinence products,” Book’s statement continued. “Because working families shouldn’t be taxed on essential health care items.”

The current tax elimination for diapers is set to end in June. If this legislation were to pass, it would make Florida the 22nd state to remove a sales tax on diapers; some states include Alaska, Delaware, Montana, New Hampshire, and Oregon. Some taxes on diapers can be as high as 7% in states such as Mississippi and Tennessee. This legislation would also remove a sales tax on incontinence undergarments, pads, and liners. These sales tax removals would as well coincide with Florida’s tax eliminations for baby food, infant formula, tampons, and other feminine hygiene products. MSNBC. Recently, Illinois has also proposed a monthly allowance of diapers for families in need which would allow parents to receive $70 a month per child (in the Senate’s version) or $30 per child (House’s version).

Sadly, 1 in 3 U.S. families is unable to afford enough diapers to keep their baby clean, dry, and healthy. Moreover, according to the National Diaper Bank Network, 3 in 5 parents miss work or school because they cannot afford the diapers required to leave their baby in childcare. Legislation such as what is being presented in Florida is important for working-class families. "Diapers are not a luxury item," Eskamani said. "They're an essential [item] for families.”

For more information, please reach out to the Professionals at The Center for Financial, Legal, & Tax Planning Inc., at 618-997-3436.