McMaster to end South Carolina ‘tampon tax’ after years of effort by supporters

COLUMBIA, S.C. (WBTW) — Gov. Henry McMaster plans to sign a bill exempting feminine hygiene products from the state’s sales tax, his office told News13 on Wednesday.

The measure made it through the state Senate unanimously on Tuesday after sailing through House last spring.

Once McMaster puts his name on H. 3563, South Carolina will become the 22nd state to eliminate surcharges on menstrual products according to Period Equity.

Removing menstrual care products from the state’s 6% tax would cut statewide collections by $7.3 million, according to revenue projections attached to the measure.

The S.C. House voted 114-0 in April 2023 in support of the move, which the Women’s Rights & Empowerment Network has long made a legislative priority.

“By removing the regressive “tampon tax,” South Carolina has taken a major step towards ending period poverty and ensuring menstrual equity for all,” WREN posted to its blog on Tuesday. “This is a hard-won triumph for the advocates and organizations who have been tirelessly raising awareness about the financial barriers that prevent too many people from accessing these essential hygiene items. “

* * *

Adam Benson joined the News13 digital team in January 2024. He is a veteran South Carolina reporter with previous stops at the Greenwood Index-Journal, Post & Courier and The Sun News in Myrtle Beach. Adam is a Boston native and University of Utah graduate. Follow Adam on X, formerly Twitter, at @AdamNewshound12. See more of his work here.

For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to WBTW.