Nevada voters just gave themselves some state and local sales tax relief. Senate Bill 428, which appeared on the November ballot, wiped away diaper taxes for millions of Nevadans.
In doing so, the Silver State follows a national trend in lowering the number of states that still tax diapers.
But this sales tax relief is welcome, may just be a drop in the bucket.
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According to the U.S. Department of Labor, childcare costs have risen between 58% and 74%, with higher rates reported among infants and toddlers. Not to mention, data indicate diaper costs are up 32% from five years ago.
So while Nevadans join other states in offering diaper tax relief, residents aren’t out of the woods just yet — rising childcare costs may cause residents to seek more ways to save.
Nevada eliminates tax on diapers
Thanks to voters who approved the measure, Nevadans and tourists in-state will soon be able to purchase diapers tax-free.
From Jan. 1, 2025, through Dec. 31, 2050, all diaper purchases will be exempt from:
- The state’s 6.85% tax rate.
- Local taxes of up to 1.55%.
Families could save hundreds of dollars:
- According to the National Diaper Bank, the average household spends about $1,080 per year on diapers.
- The new law could provide a Nevada family with two diaper-aged children up to $168 in yearly tax savings.
But is this enough?
While the Silver State becomes the 26th in the United States to exempt this tax (joining others like Florida, New York, and California) the trend may emphasize a larger, growing need for childcare relief in the U.S.
Why have childcare costs gone up in the United States?
Earlier this year, accounting firm KPMG released an analysis that showed the cost of daycare and preschool has risen 263% in the last 34 years. The report also estimated that childcare costs are deemed affordable when they make up only 7% of parent income.
Today, estimated care costs require 10% to 20% of family income.
Feeding into those higher costs is increased inflation. Though inflation has recently cooled to pre-pandemic levels, common household goods, like groceries, paper products, formula, and other family essentials continue to be priced high.
A September Department of Labor consumer report showed baby formula and food as part of that higher cost. Compared to last year, early development costs have gone up 3.5 percentage points.
With all these price increases, families may feel overwhelmed. Fortunately, there are a few ways your family may save more money. And not just on diapers.
Federal child tax credits and more ways to save
For starters, families should take advantage of any federal tax credits for which they are eligible.
Here are a few examples:
- Child tax credit. Provides up to $2,000 per child under the age of 17.
- Adoption tax credit. Inflation-adjusted amount which offers $16,810 per eligible child.
- Earned income tax credit. Gives low-to-moderate-income families a tax refund of up to $7,830 (for tax year 2024).
If you live in a state with income tax, don’t forget to check your eligibility for your state’s child tax credits and earned income credits.
Additionally, be sure to buy items in bulk and buy generic when possible. According to the CDC, shoppers can save an average of 20%-30% when purchasing no-name brands.
Finally, if you need help getting baby supplies for your family, you can contact nonprofit organizations in your local community.
Diaper banks, like Baby’s Bounty, provide low-income families with diapers, wipes, and various other essentials — all at no cost to you.
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