Fashion fads come and go every year, but the shoe tax has persisted for more than 75 years. U.S. Representatives Joseph Crowley (D-NY), Kevin Brady (R-TX) and Nancy Boyda (D-KS), along with 35 original co-sponsors, officially introduced the Affordable Footwear Act of 2007 (H.R. 3934) to roll back the outdated tax.
This common-sense tax relief legislation eliminates the import tariffs, collectively known as the shoe tax, on all lower- to moderately-priced footwear as well as all children's shoes, or about 60 percent of all shoes sold in the United States.
“The Affordable Footwear Act of 2007 is genuine tax relief for all consumers,” said Kevin M. Burke, president & CEO of the American Apparel & Footwear Association (AAFA). “Our association has been working hand-in-hand with members of Congress and the entire U.S. footwear industry to abolish the shoe tax.”
The depression-era shoe tax was implemented to protect the domestic footwear industry. Today, with 99 percent of all footwear sold in America being imported, the shoe tax has not only out-lived its purpose but is also unavoidable.
The regressive shoe tax on footwear imports is highest – as much as 67 percent – on the least expensive shoes. The cost is necessarily passed on to consumers at the cash register as a hidden, regressive shoe tax that can be nearly 40 percent of the price of a pair of shoes. That extra 40 percent can add up quickly for a family.
“It is time to stomp out the shoe tax,” said Burke. “Everyone who buys shoes – which is everyone – can help by going to EndtheShoeTax.org.”
EndtheShoeTax.org empowers the average consumer with information about the Affordable Footwear Act of 2007, links to news stories about the Act and a list of the co-sponsors of the legislation. Visitors can easily email Congress directly from the website to demand an end to the hidden, regressive tax on the shoes hardworking American families buy for themselves and their children.
American Apparel & Footwear Association
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