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Georgia Grocery Tax (2026)

Permitted: Eligible food (groceries) is exempt from the 4% Georgia state sales tax but stays subject to applicable local sales taxes — per the DOR food rate chart, "exempt food is subject to all applicable local taxes," so grocery bills still carry the county portion.

PermittedVerified Jul 6, 2026

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Official source: dor.georgia.gov →

General legal information, not legal advice — verify important decisions with a licensed attorney.

Grocery Tax in states bordering Georgia

The same rule in each neighboring state LawLert has verified, from that state’s own official source.

AlabamaConditional
Groceries taxed at a reduced 2% state rate (cut from 3% to 2% on Sept 1, 2025; a temporary state suspension ran May 1-June 30, 2026 and the 2% rate resumed July 1, 2026). Local city/county grocery taxes may still apply on top.
Verified Jul 12, 2026 · Source: revenue.alabama.gov · Full Alabama rule →
FloridaPermitted
Groceries are exempt from sales tax: Section 212.08(1)(a), Florida Statutes — "Food products for human consumption are exempt from the tax" — covering edible commodities generally regarded as food; items outside that definition remain taxable.
Verified Jul 6, 2026 · Source: flsenate.gov · Full Florida rule →
North CarolinaPermitted
Qualifying groceries are exempt from the state, transit, and general local sales tax, but a 2% local food tax applies.
Verified Jul 14, 2026 · Source: ncdor.gov · Full North Carolina rule →
South CarolinaPermitted
Unprepared food eligible for purchase with USDA food coupons is exempt from the 6% state sales tax (SC Code 12-36-2120(75)). The exemption does not apply to local sales taxes unless a locality specifically exempts food; prepared/hot foods, alcohol, and tobacco stay taxable at 6%.
Verified Jul 18, 2026 · Source: dor.sc.gov · Full South Carolina rule →
TennesseeConditional
Groceries taxed at a reduced 4% state rate (plus local); repeal bills are pending.
Verified Aug 27, 2026 · Source: tn.gov · Full Tennessee rule →

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