If you’ve ever walked into your favorite tanning salons in Orange Park FL and thought, “Hmm… why does this membership cost more than it did five years ago?” you’re not crazy. And no, your salon isn’t trying to sneak a yacht payment into your unlimited UV package. A big chunk of the blame goes to something called the federal tanning tax — a quiet little fee that has been hanging around since the Affordable Care Act rolled out.
People don’t talk about it much, probably because taxes are boring. But this one actually affects you every time you tan indoors. So let’s unpack it like normal humans and not in weird, stiff essay language.
So… What Is the Tanning Tax?
Alright, quick history moment (I promise it won’t feel like school): back in 2010, the U.S. introduced a 10% federal excise tax on indoor tanning services. Basically, anytime you use UV tanning equipment, you’re charged an extra 10% on top of whatever the salon charges.
It applies whether you’re paying for:
- a single UV tanning session
- monthly memberships
- packages/bundles
- unlimited tanning deals
- anything involving an actual tanning bed or booth
Spray tans? No tax.
Self-tanner? No tax.
Your friend tanning you in their garage? Questionable… but also no tax.
So yeah — it’s specifically about indoor UV tanning.
Why Does the Government Tax Tanning Anyway?
The short version: health concerns. UV tanning has been linked to skin cancer, premature aging, and all the fun stuff dermatologists nag us about. The tax was designed to discourage people from using tanning beds.
Did it work? Eh… debatably.
Did it make tanning pricier? Absolutely.
How the Tanning Tax Changes What You Pay
Let’s say you buy:
$20 tanning session → it becomes $22
$75 monthly membership → now it’s $82.50
It doesn’t sound like much at first, but it adds up, especially if you’re someone who tans regularly. That 10% stacks quietly every month, and suddenly your “affordable membership” feels a lot less cute.
Some tanning salon near my location FL even adjust their prices upward so they’re not eating the cost themselves, meaning you’re paying the tax and the adjusted base price. Fun times, right?
Why Salons Don’t Just “Absorb the Tax”
I used to think, “Well, can’t salons just include the tax in the price so we don’t feel it?”
Turns out — most can’t.
Running a tanning salon is weirdly expensive:
- UV bulbs cost a fortune and need replacing constantly
- Electricity bills are wild
- Maintenance and cleaning are nonstop
- Insurance premiums for tanning businesses are no joke
So adding a 10% federal tax on top? Yeah… they’d go under if they tried to absorb it for everyone.
Membership Pricing Gets Complicated
You’ve probably noticed that some salons have more “unlimited packages,” “happy hour tan deals,” or “club-style memberships” now. That’s because they’re trying to balance affordability with the federal tax.
Here’s how the tax affects memberships:
- If your membership includes UV tanning → it gets taxed
- If it includes only spray tanning → no tax
- If it’s mixed (UV + spray) → only the UV portion gets taxed
Some salons break it down. Some don’t.
It’s messy behind the scenes.
Why You Might Notice More Spray Tan Promotions
Salons push spray tans harder nowadays because:
- They’re not taxed
- They’re safer
- They’re predictable
- They’re profitable without extra federal fees
So if it feels like spray tans have taken over your salon’s Instagram, you’re not imagining it.
Are Indoor Tans Still “Worth It” With the Tax?
Totally depends on your vibe.
If you love:
- the traditional warm-bed feeling
- building a base tan
- shorter sessions
- longer-lasting results
…you might still prefer UV tans despite the tax.
But if you:
- hate paying extra
- want immediate color
- worry about skin health
- need a tan for a specific event
- live in a humid state where spray tans cling beautifully
…you might lean toward sunless tanning.
There’s no wrong answer — just a slightly annoying tax.
FAQs
1. Do I have to pay the tanning tax even if I’m using a discount or coupon?
Yep. The tax applies to the final amount you pay, after discounts.
2. Does the tanning tax apply to spray tans?
Nope. Spray tans, airbrush tans, and self-tanning products are all exempt.
3. Are tanning lotions taxed too?
No — unless the lotion is included as part of a UV tanning service.
4. Can salons choose not to charge the tax?
No. It’s a federal requirement. If they don’t charge it, they still owe it — which is why nobody skips it.
5. Does the tax apply to unlimited memberships?
If the membership includes UV tanning, then yes, the tax applies every month.
6. Why are some tanning memberships still so expensive?
Between the tanning tax, equipment, maintenance, bulbs, rent, insurance, and staff… salons operate on very tight margins.
Final Thoughts
Indoor tanning isn’t going anywhere — people still love it. But the federal tanning tax is one of those sneaky things that quietly bumps up your monthly spend without you realizing it. The good news is that once you understand where the extra cost comes from, it’s easier to choose the membership or service that actually makes sense for your budget.
Disclaimer: This article is for general information only. It is not legal, medical, or financial advice. Always check with your tanning salon or a professional for details about prices, taxes, or health concerns.
