Want to look like Valentino? That’ll be extra.
Posted on 15. Jun, 2010 by Stefani in News, Tax
I’d like to think the majority of you have already heard about the 10% excise tax on tanning services that was pushed through with the health care reform bill. No? C’mon, even Jersey Shore’s Snooki keeps up to date with her tax law. (And apparently McCain watches Jersey Shore. Who knew.)
So here’s the deal. Effective July 1 (just in time for season 2 premiere of the Jersey Shore 2), fees charged by indoor tanning salons specifically for tanning services will be subject to an excise tax of 10%.
Like to get your tanning on at the gym? As long as your gym doesn’t charge you extra for tanning services, then the excise tax won’t affect you.
This tax is in addition to any excise tax assessed by a particular state. Which now means that New Jersey residents will pay a total of 17% since the garden state also charges a 7% excise tax on these services. < insert Jersey Shore joke here >
The excise tax was implemented in the hopes that it would be enough to persuade tanners get out of the tanning beds due to the associated health risks. But who are they kidding? It’s highly unlikely that the additional 10% will deter anyone from visiting a tanning salon. People that get tans aren’t necessarily choosing between tanning and groceries (dear God I hope not), so the 10% increase just isn’t a big enough jump in price for it to matter to a lot of people. Would you stop tanning if instead of $20 you were paying $22? Didn’t think so. After all, taxing cigarettes got people to quite smoking, right?
