Starting January 1, 2025, Kansas will officially eliminate the state sales tax on groceries, marking the culmination of a gradual reduction plan signed into law by Governor Laura Kelly in May 2022. This significant change is expected to bring financial relief to families across the state.
Table of Contents
A Gradual Journey to 0%
The journey to eliminating the sales tax began in 2022 when the rate stood at 6.5%. Since then, the tax rate has dropped steadily:
- 2023: Reduced to 4%
- 2024: Further reduced to 2%
- 2025: Finally reaching 0%
The tax exemption applies to a wide range of essential grocery items, including:
- Produce
- Meats
- Bread
- Milk
- Eggs
- Baked goods
- Candy
- Bottled water and soft drinks
However, certain items remain excluded from the exemption, such as prepared food items, non-food items, alcoholic beverages, and tobacco.
Local Sales Tax Still Applies
While the state sales tax on groceries will be eliminated, local cities within Kansas may still impose their own sales taxes on food items. Shoppers are advised to check their receipts for specific tax details.
What Shoppers Are Saying
The removal of the grocery sales tax is being celebrated by Kansas residents. Tammy Warford, a shopper who frequently buys groceries for her daughter’s family of five and an elderly friend, expressed her excitement. “I didn’t know that it was coming so soon,” said Warford. “This is going to help a lot of people save money.”
Prairie Village resident Greg Asselin echoed her sentiments: “I think it will help everybody out, actually. Save money any way you can.”
Projected Savings
State officials estimate that the average family of four will save approximately $500 annually on grocery bills thanks to the tax elimination. By the end of 2024, Kansas shoppers are expected to have saved over half a billion dollars in grocery sales taxes since the reductions began.
When checking receipts in 2025, shoppers will notice two distinct tax rates:
- Qualifying Purchases: Items exempt from the state sales tax.
- All Other Items: Items subject to remaining local or non-food-related taxes.
SNAP Payment Schedule January 2025: When to Expect Your Food Stamps on EBT Cards
SNAP Benefit Increase in 2025: Amount, Eligibility & Rates
Stimulus Payments Set to Arrive in January: Are You Eligible for Up to $1,400?
Mark Your Calendar: Here’s the Exact Date for Your 2025 Child Tax Credit Payment
How Much does Welfare Pay in the US? A State-by-State Comparison of Benefits
A Positive Impact for Kansas Families
Governor Laura Kelly’s initiative is expected to make a lasting impact on Kansas households. “No sales tax on groceries is going to help me,” said Warford, who sees the change as a much-needed financial relief for families and elderly individuals alike.
What’s Next?
For more details on qualifying items and exclusions, residents can visit the Kansas Department of Revenue website. The removal of the grocery sales tax marks a major milestone for Kansas, making 2025 a year of meaningful savings and financial relief for its citizens.
Leave a Reply