Retailers that want to sell merchandise nationwide must pay attention to how each state’s tax code treats their goods. For example, products considered to be exempt medical necessities in some states might be taxed at high rates in others. Some states don’t tax certain essentials to make sure they are accessible to those in need, and to avoid placing the burden of public revenue on only a select number of consumers.
Data:
2018: Year of the Wayfair ruling, which limited retailers’ physical presence to tax-exempting states.
100: Minimum number of local tax codes in Alaska.
6.25 percent: Tax rate imposed on online sellers in Illinois starting in 2020.
$4M: Amount Ohioans paid in sales taxes on menstrual products in 2019.
0.5 percent: Proposed food and beverage sales tax to affect North Mankato, Minnesota in 2020.