As of January 1, 2025, Kansas residents can finally say goodbye to the state sales tax on groceries. That’s right—your eggs, bread, and questionable-brand mac and cheese are now tax-free, leaving just the skyrocketing cost of the items themselves to worry about. Progress!
This tax overhaul comes courtesy of House Bill 2106, signed by Governor Laura Kelly back in 2022. It’s been a slow, awkward breakup with the 6.5% food tax—first dialing it down to 4% in 2023, then a measly 2% in 2024. But now, it’s officially bye-bye, tax man on most food. Cue the confetti (tax-free, of course).
Before you start dancing in the grocery aisles, remember: this only applies to the state sales tax. Local governments are still taxing away like it’s a hobby, so don’t be shocked if your receipt still includes a little love note from your city or county. Oh, and don’t get too excited if you’re heading for the hot bar—prepared foods, alcohol, and anything that vaguely feels indulgent (looking at you, protein bars) are still taxable. Kansas isn’t ready to let those go just yet.
Governor Kelly says this move is about making life easier for Kansas families, and hey, every little bit helps when even lettuce costs more than a trip to the movies (popcorn included). The law aims to make groceries more affordable, but the jury’s still out on whether this savings will be enough to keep us from muttering angrily at the self-checkout.
If you’re unsure whether your favorite snack qualifies for the tax break, the Kansas Department of Revenue has a helpful guide. Spoiler: if it’s covered in cheese, pre-packaged, or served hot, it’s probably not exempt. But your carrots and bulk oatmeal? Tax-free and boring as ever.
Kansas, we did it—kind of. While this tax cut won’t make your grocery bill disappear, it’s a step in the right direction. And at least now, when you see those savings, you can smile a little—until you remember you still have to pay for gas to get to the store.
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