Food and grocery items are exempt from Ohio’s state sales tax. The state sales tax, however, is applicable to several food items, including sweets, fizzy drinks, and dietary supplements. This is because they are regarded as luxury or non-essential things that take away from a balanced diet. Additionally, the state sales tax in Ohio is applicable to prepared food items sold in restaurants and other food outlets. When Did Ohio First Levie Food Taxes?
Food goods have always been subject to taxes in Ohio. In fact, until the Ohio General Assembly passed a bill exempting grocery and food goods from the state sales tax in 1972, the state levied a sales tax on those commodities. The exemption was put in place to give low-income individuals and families who were having a hard time making ends meet tax assistance. Since that time, Ohio has continued to exempt food products from state taxes, making it one of the few states in the US without a food tax. Does Walmart Add Tax on Food Purchases?
Like other shops in Ohio, Walmart does not impose sales taxes on food and grocery purchases. The state sales tax rate is 5.75% for non-food items like apparel, electronics, and household goods. The fact that some municipal governments in Ohio may charge an additional sales tax on non-food items should be noted. Therefore, it is wise to research the local sales tax rate before making a purchase.
Because pet food is not regarded as a necessity for human use, it is subject to sales tax in Ohio. Pet food is seen as a luxury good that is not necessary for human life, in contrast to groceries and other products that are required for human living. Pet food is therefore subject to Ohio’s normal sales tax rate.
As a result, Ohio exempts food purchases from sales tax in an effort to lessen the financial burden of taxes on low-income individuals and families. While non-essential items like sweets, fizzy drinks, and dietary supplements are subject to the state sales tax, grocery and food items are exempt. The state sales tax is also charged on prepared foods served in restaurants and other eating facilities. It is significant to highlight that while pet food is not regarded as a necessity for human use, it is subject to Ohio’s sales tax.