diff --git a/includes/class-wc-install.php b/includes/class-wc-install.php
index d81b86b185a..8ec6a5755a1 100644
--- a/includes/class-wc-install.php
+++ b/includes/class-wc-install.php
@@ -619,9 +619,11 @@ class WC_Install {
 		add_option( 'woocommerce_checkout_highlight_required_fields', 'yes', '', 'yes' );
 		add_option( 'woocommerce_demo_store', 'no', '', 'no' );
 
-		// Define initial tax classes.
-		WC_Tax::create_tax_class( __( 'Reduced rate', 'woocommerce' ) );
-		WC_Tax::create_tax_class( __( 'Zero rate', 'woocommerce' ) );
+		if ( self::is_new_install() ) {
+			// Define initial tax classes.
+			WC_Tax::create_tax_class( __( 'Reduced rate', 'woocommerce' ) );
+			WC_Tax::create_tax_class( __( 'Zero rate', 'woocommerce' ) );
+		}
 	}
 
 	/**