In rather upsetting news, Washington D.C. city council just voted to keep the yoga tax.
The council voted 9-4 to keep the yoga tax in the $10.6 billion budget, despite multiple online (and offline) protests, and an amendment to eliminate this nearly 6% sales tax on health and wellness facilities.
Chairman Phil Mendelson says the 5.75% tax will not deter people from taking yoga classes or joining a gym.
Councilmember David Catania is running for mayor, and pledged to appeal the tax if he is elected.
I believe yoga and fitness classes are often too expensive as it is. One of the many hurdles yoga has had to overcome is being expensive. I believe the D.C. yoga tax is only going to make this worse.
Despite being called the “Yoga Tax” this tax effects other services as well including:
- Yoga studios, health clubs, and gyms
- Storage lockers
- Car washes
- Water delivery services
- Carpet cleaning
- Bowling and billiards
Businesses will have to start paying this tax beginning January 1st 2015.
