Alabama shoppers at grocery stores will see a one-cent reduction in the state sales tax on groceries beginning Friday.
Alabama will join 47 other states that do not fully tax groceries. Passed during the final days of the 2023 legislative session, the law sponsored by State Rep. Danny Garrett (R-Trussville) and State Sen. Andrew Jones (R-Centre) will drop the state's sales tax on groceries by 1% on September 1 automatically and an additional 1% as soon as September 2024, 2025 or a later year if the state projects 3.5% growth in the Education Trust Fund (ETF) for the next fiscal year.
Lt. Gov. Will Ainsworth also championed the bill during the session.
"We fought hard to raise the issue and convince the Legislature to give Alabama families a dinner table tax cut, but our job is not over," Ainsworth said. "When another percentage is automatically removed, perhaps as soon as next year, the sales tax on groceries will be cut in half, but I remain committed to removing it altogether and providing Alabamians with permanent tax relief."
The Alabama Grocers Association said on Thursday they expect the grocery tax reduction at the retail level to be seamless at the point of sale since the law uses the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) definition, which covers all edible foods except alcohol, tobacco, and hot prepared foods.
Over 4,850 retailers across the state, including grocers, convenience stores, pharmacies and dollar stores, accept SNAP, according to the Alabama Grocers Association.
"The Alabama Grocers Association commends Governor Kay Ivey, Lieutenant Governor Will Ainsworth and the Alabama Legislature for passing this important legislation," said Ellie Taylor, President/CEO of the Alabama Grocers Association. "The 1% reduction of the state's 4% grocery tax on September 1 will enable the state to calculate the actual cost for removal of the full grocery tax and help Alabama move forward with its elimination. The AGA has advocated for the removal of our state's grocery tax for over a decade."
To connect with the author of this story or to comment, email caleb.taylor@1819News.com.
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