New York Grocery Tax (2026)

Permitted: Groceries (food and food products sold by food stores) are exempt from sales tax.

PermittedVerified Jul 17, 2026

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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).

Official source: tax.ny.gov →

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

Grocery Tax in states bordering New York

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 →
MassachusettsPermitted
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.
Verified Jul 12, 2026 · Source: mass.gov · Full Massachusetts rule →
New JerseyPermitted
Most food sold as grocery items is exempt from sales tax; candy, soft drinks, and prepared food are taxable.
Verified Jul 16, 2026 · Source: nj.gov · Full New Jersey rule →
PennsylvaniaPermitted
Food that is not ready-to-eat (groceries), along with candy and gum, is exempt from the 6% sales tax. Ready-to-eat/prepared food and food sold by a caterer or eating establishment are taxable.
Verified Jul 18, 2026 · Source: pa.gov · Full Pennsylvania 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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