Chicago removes sales tax on tampons, sanitary napkins

CHICAGO – The Chicago City Council has rescinded a city sales tax on tampons and sanitary napkins.

Wednesday’s vote followed a recommendation that was made without opposition by the City Council’s finance committee last week. The items are taxed 10.25 percent in Chicago. The vote will remove Chicago’s portion of that tax, or 1.25 percent. Supporters say the measure corrects an unfairness to women.

Tampons and sanitary napkins are now characterized as medical necessities to be exempted.

The tax on the feminine products has become a national issue, with at least seven states now considering legislation. Also, five women in New York recently filed a lawsuit arguing that the tax is unconstitutional.

In Illinois, lawmakers recently advanced a measure to exempt feminine hygiene and incontinence products from the state sales tax.