WHAT IS A REFUND ACTIVATION CLAIM?
A refund activation claim is a written request for
reimbursement of the "tampon tax" after purchasing menstrual products. Menstrual equity advocates request refund claims on the basis that the "tampon tax" is sex-based discrimination in violation of the equal protection clauses of state and federal constitutions. When someone files a refund activation claim, that claim gets sent to their state department of revenue. 50+ claims in a state are significant enough to catch the attention of tax officials, compelling them to investigate the claims. Tax officials can respond to refund demands by informing legislators about their constituents' concerns. Refund activation claims have effectuated legislative change in multiple states, including Texas.
This advocate is requesting a refund of sales tax after purchasing period products
Find Your TAX OFFICIAL
Use the map below to locate the address of your state department of revenue/tax commissioner. Click on the location in your state to find guidelines on how to submit a RAC. You can only fill out a RAC if you pay taxes in one of the 20 states that have a "tampon tax."
SPOTLIGHT: RACs-in-Action
Filing a RAC is an efficient way to urge government officials to eliminate the “tampon tax.” Texas Comptroller Glenn Hegar recommended "tampon tax" repeal as a legislative priority after receiving dozens of refund demands from activists; the Texas legislature listened and ended the tax in 2023. Officials in various states responded to RACs in a similar fashion. See examples of Grassroots efforts to encourage rac submissions below!
