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There's nothing luxurious about my periods, so why is the Government taxing tampons
Former Member
Posts: 1,875,648 The Mix Honorary Guru
There's nothing luxurious about my periods, so why is the Government taxing tampons as if there is.
So came across this article while roaming Facebook and thought it was a rather interesting read, and wanted to hear your views on this. Have you guys signed the petition to take tax of buying tampons?
It's shocking to see how much a women spends on tampons/sanitary towels during there life time.
I've signed it!
So came across this article while roaming Facebook and thought it was a rather interesting read, and wanted to hear your views on this. Have you guys signed the petition to take tax of buying tampons?
It's shocking to see how much a women spends on tampons/sanitary towels during there life time.
I've signed it!
0
Comments
Damn right
They could at least have a lower tax rate for these items, like some other EU countries.
But no, it's totally not okay.
They are on a lower rate of 5%. The Government is not permitted by law to reduce the VAT rate on sanitary products below 5%.
When the UK joined the VAT system in 1973, we signed up to binding agreements on our VAT rates. This allows us to keep the zero rates we had at the time (on things like books and children's clothes), but it forbids us from introducing new zero rates. The lowest we can go is 5%, and that's what this Government has done on sanitary products, condoms, children's car seats, and various other things over the last few years.
One other thing to note: VAT was never conceived as a tax just on 'luxury goods' which did not apply to 'essentials'. Most people would consider things like toilet roll, soap, shampoo, razor blades, etc. as pretty essential in their daily lives, but they all have VAT on them too - not to mention things like petrol, clothes, shoes and gas and electricity used in the home.
I did not know this. Looks like a vote for Farage is a vote for cheaper sanitary products. Lolz.
Not many people do, though you'd have hoped a journo might have done a little bit of basic research....
why?
You have the get away from thinking that VAT is only applied to luxury items. Very little is tax exempt with most otems having different rates, the most common being the current 20%, a reduced rate of 5% and a 0% rate for other items.
Note that there is a difference between being tax exempt and zero rated.
Part of my job is too explain taxation to people. Its generally a bit of a minefield. I think sanitary products at 5% is about right to be honest.
Is VAT added at rates other than 0%, 5% and 20%?
How should I think about VAT if not as a tax on luxury goods?
What is the difference between 0% tax and being tax exempt?
Think of VAT as the standard for any goods or services traded, many things which arent luxury goods have VAT applied.
If you are a buiness that sells zero rated items then you can register for VAT and claim vack VAT on your purchases, where as if you sell tax exempt items you cant.
If you sell a mixture then you have to account for it.
How is shaving not a luxury? You don't "need" to shave. You do "want" to shave though.
Some jobs require people to be 'clean shaven' so some people do actually "need" to shave
What on Earth are you on about? You don't "need" much other than food, shelter and oxygen.
Like porn stars - nobody wants a hairy stripper, especially if they've paid extra.
Rags don't stay in place
You don't *need* to use tampons either though. You could use a more eco friendly mooncup.
/playing devils advocate.
Not every women gets on with a mooncup. I didn't. And yes, I did try and try again.
You're making a category error: growing beard hair and having periods aren't a choice; putting VAT on products associated with those conditions is a choice.