Grocery sales tax in Wisconsin?

[chadomac]

This question is probably going to end with me feeling really stupid, but I'm going to ask it anyway.

 

Has something changed recently regarding Wisconsin state sales tax? I swear I've gone to the grocery store a couple times recently and just now noticed that I wasn't charged sales tax at all. It even said "WI sales tax 0%" on my receipt today.

 

What the H is going on?

[1992casey]

Most food items aren't taxed in Wisconsin. Stuff like candy bars would be taxed.

[chadomac]

Yep, I feel stupid but thanks for the info. I've been on this earth 30 years and never noticed that I wasn't paying sales tax at the supermarket.

[logan82]

A lot of homebrew supplies don't have sales tax on them either. Of course they could technically be considered groceries. Grains, Yeast and hops.

[Point Beer Is Best]

I think the general rule is most "unprocessed" food (think milk, veggies, eggs) are exempt, along with cheese. Cookies, crackers, etc would be taxable. WI is one of the fortunate states in that regard, since I know that in other states like Missouri have a food tax rate (around 1-3%).

[Schlitz001]

I think the general rule is most "unprocessed" food (think milk, veggies, eggs) are exempt, along with cheese. Cookies, crackers, etc would be taxable. WI is one of the fortunate states in that regard, since I know that in other states like Missouri have a food tax rate (around 1-3%).

Not as fortunate as my state (Montana) which has no sales tax on anything. Sorry, but that makes me happy.

[1992casey]

Quoth the Wisconsin Department of Revenue:

---

What food is taxable and what is exempt?

In general, the sale of food for human consumption is exempt, with the following exceptions:

 

Candy

 

Dietary supplements

 

Prepared food

 

Soft drinks

 

Note: Sales of alcoholic beverages are taxable, but alcoholic

beverages are not considered "food" for purposes of Wisconsin sales tax

laws.

 

Section Tax 11.51(1), Wis. Adm. Code

(November 2010 Register), provides the definition of “food and food

ingredients” that is used for Wisconsin sales and use tax purposes.

 

Section Tax 11.51(2), Wis. Adm. Code (November 2010 Register), provides lists that include examples of taxable and exempt “food and food ingredients.”

 

Section Tax 11.51(3), Wis. Adm. Code

(November 2010 Register), provides the definitions of “candy,” “dietary

supplements,” “prepared food,” and “soft drinks” that are applicable

for Wisconsin sales and use tax purposes.

 

Section Tax 11.87, Wis. Adm. Code,

(November 2010 Register), provides examples illustrating the

application of Wisconsin sales tax laws as it relates to sales of food

and food ingredients in various situations.

Explanations of some taxable and exempt sales by grocers