Manjarrez bill would eliminate sales tax on prepared food
CONTACT: Kurt Hammond, Senior Public Information Officer | 360-786-7794
Manjarrez bill would eliminate sales tax on prepared food
With Washingtonians facing an affordability crisis, Rep. Deb Manjarrez has introduced legislation, House Bill 1340, that would exempt prepared food from sales and use tax. Some examples of places that have prepared food include restaurants, cafes, caterers, coffee shops, drive-in restaurants, snack bars, bakeries, and some grocery stores.
“Washington is the fourth-most expensive state for residents compared to the national average. More than one-third of families in our state live paycheck to paycheck,” said Manjarrez, R-Wapato. “Washingtonians struggling with the affordability crisis in our state need help. This would provide much-needed relief to individuals and families who eat meals on the go. It would also help our state’s hospitality businesses.”
Washington ranks behind only California, Nevada, and Mississippi for the average weekly cost of grocery spending. Washington residents went to food banks 13.3 million times during the 2024 fiscal year, a 22% increase from 2023.
“Low-income earners have been hit hard by the spike in the cost of food in our state – both groceries and prepared food. This relief would help their budgets,” said Manjarrez. “The Legislature has had opportunities to provide meaningful tax relief over the last few years like other states have. Now is the time. This is the right thing to do.”
House Bill 1340 is the first bill Manjarrez has introduced as a legislator. It has been referred to the House Finance Committee but not been scheduled for a public hearing.
The Legislature is scheduled to adjourn the 105-day session on April 27.
PHOTO CAPTION: Rep. Manjarrez drops her first bill, House Bill 1340 in the “hopper.”
