Missouri ends local and state sales tax on essential hygiene products

ST. JOSEPH, Mo. (News-Press NOW) -- Starting Thursday, Missouri residents will no longer pay sales tax on essential hygiene items like period products, diapers and incontinence supplies, following the enactment of a new state law signed by Governor Mike Kehoe in July.

"I think this is going to be great for Missouri families. If you have a baby or toddler, diapers can be expensive. This is going to let them keep more in their pocketbook," said Trish Vincent, the director of the Missouri Department of Revenue.

The change reclassified these products from "luxury" items to necessities. This change cuts the tax rate from 4.225% on luxury goods to the 1.225% tax rate on necessities. 

 Missouri now joins 22 other states in exempting these basic health products from sales tax.

Governor Kehoe said in a July press release, "...We are protecting the people who make Missouri work- families, job creators, and small business owners- by cutting taxes, rolling back overreach, and eliminating costly mandates."

Visit the Missouri Department of Revenue's website for more insight to what is considered under the exemption here.

News-Press NOW will update this story.