Can You Name 5 Things the USA Doesn't Tax?

[cots]

So I was debating politics with my old man (we do at least once a week) and he asked me if I can name 5 things that aren't taxed by the Government. Of course I said air and water, but it turns out those things are taxed. So is the use of sunlight, electricity and about anything that I could think of. Everything is taxed at least some way at some point in time. I don't really like this, but I was wondering if anyone could name 5 things that the USA doesn't tax. It would be cool to be able to tell my old man he was wrong (he thinks he's always right).

 

[RandomUser]

Can't think of anything off top my head besides international waters where no laws exist I guess.
Heck you're taxed just for existing in some way, shape or form.

 

[cots]

Can't think of anything off top my head besides international waters where no laws exist I guess.
Heck you're taxed just for existing in some way, shape or form.

Yeah, International waters is a good example, but I'm just referring in the USA.

 

[Xzi]

Men's hygiene products aren't taxed AFAIK. Most states still tax feminine hygiene products, though. That's about all I have off the top of my head.

 

[FAST6191]

On international waters then technically the tax peeps want you to continue to report your income earned outside the country. https://www.irs.gov/businesses/income-from-abroad-is-taxable

For water itself though I still find the states where you are not allowed to collect rainwater from your land to be odd.

Anyway I am not sure of full US tax regs but is this entirely untaxed or just below a limit, especially if the limit is higher than most will ever see?

 

[spectral]

TV ownership

 

[orangy57]

clothes aren't taxed by the US, since you kinda need them

 

[KingVamp]

I suppose yard sales aren't taxed, but that's aftermarket stuff. Don't think fairs are taxed either. Also, free things. lol

Unless you mean air in a can or air condition, I don't see how free flowing air is taxed.

 

[xpoverzion]

Man is born free, and everywhere he is in chains...

 

[Chary]

I was about to say groceries, but that appears to be a state-by-state basis. Texas doesn't charge taxes on essential food items (meat, chicken, spices, fruit) Prescription meds are also not taxable where I live.

 

[xpoverzion]

Man is born free, and everywhere he is in chains...

Most things i buy online aren't taxed. But I suppose there are import, and other taxes already priced into these items.

 

[spectral]

It also depends on how you view it. Even if the end user isn't taxed, in most cases tax would have been paid on it in various forms during production which increases the manufacturers costs and as such the end price they sell it for.

 

[Viri]

Men's hygiene products aren't taxed AFAIK. Most states still tax feminine hygiene products, though. That's about all I have off the top of my head.

Hmmm, are you sure? I could have sworn I was taxed for my body wash. Am I being overcharged?!

 

[SG854]

Hmmm, are you sure? I could have sworn I was taxed for my body wash. Am I being overcharged?!

I know what is he talking about? Hygiene products are all taxed, Men's and Women's.

Is he talking about the pink tax? That women's products are more expensive then male products.
Well thats because womens products are much better quality then male products. So they are more expensive.

Heck I buy women's shampoo instead of male's shampoo's for my longer hair because its much better quality.
And nothing is stopping women from buying the cheaper crappy male products if they want to. Not a hard solution to figure out.

 

[SG854]

Here's a Vermont list of all taxable and non taxable items. Some states vary a small bit. But it'll give a general idea of the US.

http://tax.vermont.gov/exempt-items

 

[Xzi]

Hmmm, are you sure? I could have sworn I was taxed for my body wash. Am I being overcharged?!

Yeah, this article says most "health and personal care" items are exempt from state sales tax (in most states):

https://www.npr.org/2018/03/25/5645...x-that-s-seen-as-discriminating-against-women

ChapStick, Viagra and dandruff shampoo. These are just three of the thousands of health and personal care items that are exempt from sales tax in many U.S. states. Notably missing from that list: menstrual products.

So far, nine states have exempted menstrual products from their sales tax, and seven have introduced legislation aimed at doing the same. Three of the seven — Nebraska, Virginia and Arizona — introduced their legislation this year.

 

[SG854]

Yeah, this article says most "health and personal care" items are exempt from state sales tax (in most states):

https://www.npr.org/2018/03/25/5645...x-that-s-seen-as-discriminating-against-women

Somethings are classified as Medical items so they are exempt from tax. Chapstick and dandruff shampoo is something women can also use. So they are not exclusively male items. And Viagra thats an obvious medical product.

 

[Xzi]

Those are classified as medical items so they are exempt from tax. Chapstick and dandruff shampoo is something women can also use. So they are not exclusively male items. And Viagra thats an obvious medical product.

Those are just the few examples they chose though, says there are thousands of items exempt.

 

[SG854]

Those are just the few examples they chose though, says there are thousands of items exempt.

Thousands of heath and personal care, in other words medical items.

 

[Xzi]

Thousands of heath and personal care, in other words medical items.

Most of which can likely be bought over the counter. So more like your grocery store "health" stuff but yeah.