Louisiana State Rep. Danny McCormick pushes to end local sales tax on groceries
In Louisiana, according to McCormick, residents do not have a state sales tax on groceries, just local sales taxes. He said residents in Caddo Parish are driving to Texas to buy their groceries because it's sales tax-free.
'With the inflation and the struggling middle class in this country, I think it's appropriate we eliminate all sales tax on groceries,' McCormick said.
McCormick said Louisiana already has the highest combined sales tax rate in the nation — an average of 10.12% when state and local taxes are combined.
According to the Louisiana Department of Revenue, a sales tax is required on all prepared food sales except for foods and beverages that are for preparation and consumption in the home.
Louisiana Revised Statute 47:305(D)(1)(n-r) notes that the state sales tax does not apply to food sold for preparation and consumption in the home, including bakery products, fresh fruits and vegetables, and packaged foods requiring further preparation by the purchasers.
By eliminating this sales tax for groceries, McCormick said this is an avenue to feed families without being taxed. He compared the sales tax to being taxed for oxygen, having to pay for it in order to live.
As inflation continues to rise, so will the cost of goods and services. McCormick said the government isn't suffering; it's the working class that feels the impact each time they go to the grocery store.
'The wealthy are not concerned about their tax on their groceries,' McCormick said.
But it's not just the wealthy who do not have to worry about sales taxes on groceries. McCormick said those on a government assistance program, like the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program, are not required to pay a sales tax for groceries.
'So, it's the working class that I am trying to help get this break on basic groceries,' McCormick said.
The break could come on day one of the next legislative session on April 14, when he will introduce legislation to prohibit local governments from imposing sales taxes on groceries state-wide.
This article originally appeared on Lafayette Daily Advertiser: Louisiana State Rep. Danny McCormick wants to end groceries sales tax
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