This decision makes these essential products more affordable for community members who need them.

Last week City Council gave the go ahead for menstrual products, incontinence products and diapers to be exempted from the city’s sales tax. The goal of this movement is to make these essential products less expensive for community members who need them. The issue was initially raised by a City Council member, who was interested in other cities’ similar actions, and the potential for positive impact for Boulder communities.

In December 2022, city staff reached out to nonprofit organizations and community members with experience living with low-income in Boulder, for reactions to the concept. Overwhelmingly, community members saw the initiative as beneficial for families, people who menstruate and for older adults.

“Over the course of their lives, people spend far too much on these essential products, sometimes limiting very tight household budgets even more,” said Housing and Human Services Deputy Director Elizabeth Crowe. “Our staff and community members are thrilled that Boulder can follow the state’s lead to help relieve this financial burden for our community members.”

This decision follows a State of Colorado law signed by Governor Polis last August to end the state sales and use tax on feminine hygiene products and diapers. “From now on in Colorado, there will no longer be state sales tax on diapers and feminine hygiene products. This new bi-partisan law finally ends the sales tax on diapers and feminine hygiene products permanently and starts saving people money on these necessary products,” said Governor Polis. 

The sales tax exemption will be in effect on Feb. 18, 2023. This exemption is limited to Boulder’s city sales tax and items sold in the City of Boulder are still subject to Boulder County’s 1.185% sales tax on these products.

Learn more about taxes and financial assistance in the City of Boulder.

Keep Reading