Wisconsin Faces Lawsuit Over State Tax on Feminine Hygiene Products
What happened
Wisconsin taxes feminine hygiene products, making it one of 18 states that do not exempt them from sales tax. Appleton Area National Organization of Women filed a lawsuit against Wisconsin in Dane County Circuit Court, arguing the tax constitutes sex-based discrimination and violates equal protection. The FDA regulates tampons and menstrual pads as medical devices, and federal tax law recognizes menstrual care products as qualified medical expenses for health savings account reimbursement.
From wupy101.com
Why it matters
The lawsuit challenges the state's tax policy, noting that in Wisconsin, medically necessary supplies like Viagra are exempt from sales tax, while feminine hygiene products are taxed. This legal action directly challenges the state's tax policy and its revenue collection mandate.
From wupy101.com
Who's involved
- FDARegulates tampons and menstrual pads as medical devices
- WisconsinImposes state sales tax on feminine hygiene products
- State of WisconsinIs the subject of a lawsuit challenging its tax policy
- Wisconsin Department of RevenueAdministers state tax laws in Wisconsin
Who could feel it
Possible knock-on effectsThese are possibilities Brind reasoned out, not predictions, and not advice. Most are not stated in any report.
- WisconsinSpeculative
Might see its state tax revenue stream challenged by the lawsuit
- State of WisconsinSpeculative
Could face challenges to its tax policy, potentially affecting state revenue
- Wisconsin Department of RevenueSpeculative
May see its revenue collection mandate challenged by the lawsuit