Massachusetts Grocery Tax (2026)

Permitted: Food products for human consumption are exempt from sales tax; meals sold by restaurants are taxable.

PermittedVerified Jul 12, 2026

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Food products for human consumption are exempt from sales tax; meals sold by restaurants are taxable. Food purchased with federal food benefits (SNAP) is also exempt.

Official source: mass.gov →

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

Grocery Tax in states bordering Massachusetts

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

ConnecticutPermitted
Groceries (food products for human consumption) are exempt from sales tax; candy, carbonated/soft drinks, alcoholic beverages, and prepared meals are taxable.
Verified Jul 4, 2026 · Source: portal.ct.gov · Full Connecticut rule →
New HampshirePermitted
New Hampshire has no general sales tax, so groceries are never taxed.
Verified Jul 15, 2026 · Source: revenue.nh.gov · Full New Hampshire rule →
New YorkPermitted
Groceries (food and food products sold by food stores) are exempt from sales tax. Exceptions are taxable: heated or prepared ready-to-eat food, sandwiches, carbonated beverages, and candy (Tax Law §1115(a)(1); TB-ST-283).
Verified Jul 17, 2026 · Source: tax.ny.gov · Full New York rule →
Rhode IslandPermitted
Food and food ingredients for human consumption are exempt from the 7% sales tax (R.I. Gen. Laws 44-18-30(9)). Candy, soft drinks, dietary supplements, alcoholic beverages, tobacco, and prepared food/meals remain taxable.
Verified Jul 18, 2026 · Source: tax.ri.gov · Full Rhode Island rule →
VermontPermitted
Food, food products, and beverages are exempt from sales and use tax (32 V.S.A. sec. 9741(13)) - with the exception of soft drinks, which have been taxable since July 1, 2015.
Verified Jul 19, 2026 · Source: tax.vermont.gov · Full Vermont rule →

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