You won't pay county sales tax on these essential hygiene products in Larimer County in 2023

Bethany Osborn, Fort Collins Coloradoan
·2 min read

Those shopping in Larimer County will no longer pay county sales tax on several essential hygiene items like diapers and period products starting Jan. 1, 2023, after county commissioners unanimously approved a resolution on the matter Tuesday.

In June, Colorado Gov. Jared Polis signed a bill exempting period products, incontinence products and diapers from state sales tax, which goes into effect Jan. 1, 2023.

Because Larimer County voters approved a 0.8% sales tax, which is collected by the state, the county has the opportunity to participate in any state-approved exemptions, like the one for essential hygiene products, said Carol Block, the county's director of finance.

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The county collects roughly $70 million a year in sales tax. This exemption will reduce that number by less than 1%, Block said.

"These products are essential for so many of us, especially women," said Commissioner Jody Shadduck-McNally. "Making these products more accessible will save residents money when they need it the most."

Commissioner Kristen Stephens echoed this in her comments, saying on average, Coloradoans spend about $15 a month on period products and $75 a month on diapers. "It can be difficult to budget for these items, but they're necessary for hygiene," Stephens said.

Commissioner John Kefalas called the exemption "a dignity, economic and quality of life issue."

Products exempt from sales tax include "any consumer products used to manage periods, absorbent cloth or disposable products worn by humans who are incapable of, or have difficulty, controlling their bladder or bowel movements," according to the state's legislative bill.

The county's decision comes over a year after Fort Collins City Council eliminated sales tax on menstrual products in 2021. That means those living in Fort Collins won't pay city, state or county sales tax on those products after Jan. 1, 2023. Those living in municipalities within Larimer County that have not exempted the sales tax will still pay that portion.

More:Fort Collins to eliminate city sales tax on menstrual products

This article originally appeared on Fort Collins Coloradoan: Period products, diapers will be exempt from Larimer County sales tax