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Primary Elections are MAY 19
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Eliminate the Grocery Tax
A group of Idaho Republican lawmakers, sometimes referred to as part of a "Gang of Eight" or Conservative Coalition is actively pushing to repeal the State's 6% sales tax on groceries, with plans to bring support from a Citizen Initiative for the 2026 ballot.
Key Details of the Effort (as of early 2026):
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The Goal: Fully repeal the 6% sales tax on food, which supporters argue is a burden on struggling families and a "tax on sustenance".
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Actions: Republican leaders have pushed for repeal, often opposing legislative leadership who prefer to increase the existing tax credit, rather than eliminate the tax, entirely.
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Ballot Initiative: Because legislative attempts (such as HB 260 and others in 2021-2022 and recently during the 2026 legislative session) were historically held in Committee, supporters launched the aforementioned Citizen Initiative to bring the repeal directly to voters in the 2026 election.
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Timeline: If signatures are certified, the Citizen Initiative would appear on the November, 2026 ballot, with potential implementation in 2028.
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Support & Opposition: While Governor Brad Little has previously voiced support for eliminating the tax, previous attempts have been blocked by committee chairmen.
Current Status of Idaho Grocery Tax:
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Current Credit: Idahoans can claim a "food tax credit" (formerly "grocery tax credit" on their income tax returns, which is roughly $155 per person ($250 for seniors).
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Arguments against Repeals: Some argue that removing the tax would require replacing the revenue elsewhere, or that the tax is necessary, especially since it is paid by tourists. Tax Update: The tax, at the present time, remains in place, making Idaho one of the few states in the United States that still charges full sales tax on groceries.
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