If you're on a Galaxy Fold, consider unfolding your phone or viewing it in full screen to best optimize your experience.

by Natasha Gabrielle | Published on Aug. 10, 2022

Period products, diapers, and incontinence products will no longer be taxed in Colorado.

Check out our pick for Best Cash Back Card of 2022

Essential hygiene products like menstrual products and diapers are expensive. In many states, these products are taxed. Colorado has made a change that will positively impact the wallets of many residents. The state will no longer impose a state sales tax on period products, diapers, and incontinence products.

In early 2022, Governor Jared Polis announced the many ways his administration planned to save Coloradans money. One goal was to eliminate the tampon and diaper tax.

The proposed legislation was approved, and he has officially signed the bill into law. The tax exemption was set to begin in January 2023, but consumers will get relief much sooner.

As of Wednesday, Aug. 10, 2022, taxes will no longer be imposed on qualifying items. This includes items like pads, tampons, diapers, bladder control pads, and adult diapers.

Many Americans live on a strict budget and struggle to purchase essential items like diapers and tampons. No one should have to go without basic necessities.

Companies charge a lot of money for these products, and having to also pay state sales tax increases the financial burden for many. Low-income households are most impacted.

The new tax exemption will help Coloradans keep more money in their bank accounts and make these must-have items more accessible.

If you're a Colorado resident, this is likely welcome news.

Are you wondering how much money you'll save?

The exact amount depends on which products you buy and how often you buy them.

Let's break down the yearly cost for one household: If one family member uses period products and one child wears diapers (with diapers costing $75 monthly), the household can expect to pay $1,059 on diapers and period products throughout the year.

Colorado's state sales tax is 2.9%. The new no-tax law would save the above family $30.71 yearly by not having to pay taxes on period products and diapers.

The savings will add up -- especially for those with multiple family members with periods or multiple young children.

Other U.S. states are also making changes to make these items more affordable by making period products tax-free.

Some states are taking other actions. Several states, like New York, Illinois, Maine, and New Hampshire require free menstrual products to be made available in schools with students of menstruating age.

All of these changes make a difference. Hopefully more will be done to make necessary personal hygiene products affordable and available regardless of income limitations.

You're not alone if you can't afford essentials like pads and diapers.

If you're using the wrong credit or debit card, it could be costing you serious money. Our expert loves this top pick, which features a 0% intro APR until nearly 2024, an insane cash back rate of up to 5%, and all somehow for no annual fee. 

In fact, this card is so good that our expert even uses it personally. Click here to read our full review for free and apply in just 2 minutes. 

Natasha specializes in credit card and rewards content. Her goal is to encourage more people to experience the world around them while making smart financial choices.

We're firm believers in the Golden Rule, which is why editorial opinions are ours alone and have not been previously reviewed, approved, or endorsed by included advertisers. The Ascent does not cover all offers on the market. Editorial content from The Ascent is separate from The Motley Fool editorial content and is created by a different analyst team.

The Ascent's Definitive Credit Score Guide

The Ascent's Definitive Credit Score Guide

The Ascent is a Motley Fool service that rates and reviews essential products for your everyday money matters.

Copyright © 2018 - 2022 The Ascent. All rights reserved.