FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE:
June 13, 2023
Contact: Press_Paul@paul.senate.gov, 202-224-4343

Dr. Rand Paul Introduces Tan Tax Repeal Act to Help Small Businesses and Consumers

WASHINGTON, D.C. – Today, U.S. Senator Rand Paul (R-K Y) introduced the Tan Tax Repeal Act that would eliminate the 10 percent tax placed on small businesses and consumers. The “Tan Tax” on UV tanning services in tanning salons was included in the Affordable Care Act (ACA) which was passed in 2010. The bill is cosponsored by U.S. Senators Joni Ernst (R-IA), Pete Ricketts (R-NE), and Deb Fischer (R-NE).

“The Tan Tax is not only an unnecessary tax on consumers, but also a prime example of bureaucratic overreach that unnecessarily hurts small businesses – and the majority of the businesses in this industry are women-owned,” said Dr. Paul.

“The Obama-era tan tax has destroyed jobs and punished small-businesses since the day it became law. I am happy to support this effort to bring an end to this unfair tax,” said Sen. Ricketts. 

BACKGROUND:

In 2010, a 10 percent “Tan Tax” was implemented on UV tanning services in tanning salons as part of the Affordable Care Act (ACA). This tax was a last-minute substitution for a 5 percent cosmetic surgery “Botox” tax. 

According to the American Suntanning Association, since the “Tan Tax” was implemented, over 11,000 primarily female-owned businesses have closed across America and more than 105,000 women have lost their jobs. The tax has also killed U.S. suntanning equipment manufacturing in many states, including Arkansas, California, Indiana and Missouri, shifting production jobs almost exclusively to European suppliers.

Dr. Paul has previously supported the repeal of the Tan Tax and included it in his Obamacare repeal legislation.

You can read the Tan Tax Repeal Act HERE.

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