Over-the-counter drugs could soon be tax free. State Representative Spencer Black says it's unfair that many commonly used medications are being taxed right now, especially when it impacts many low-income people in the state who need to buy those drugs.
The Madison Democrat is introducing a bill that would exempt over-the-counter medications from the state sales tax, which is currently about 5.5 percent. The sales tax already exempts prescription drugs, so Black says there's no reason why some medications are still taxed. Black says many common medications are being sold over the counter now, and are subjected to the sales tax.
Black says the exemption would save taxpayers nearly $27 million a year, which could mean big saving for many low income families and senior citizens who don't have much money to spare.