September 12, 2019

Buckbee, Republicans Warn Consumers of New Taxes on Food

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HARTFORD – House and Senate Republicans held a press conference today at the Legislative Office Building to alert consumers of several new taxes on meals and drinks that will go into effect on October 1^st. According to State Representative Bill Buckbee, who represents New Milford, this is an example of how the budget passed in June continues to hurt middle class families.

“We are taxed enough. The state doesn’t need to get more revenue from you, but many food items, prepared meals, snacks and drinks will now be taxed at 7.35%,” explained Rep. Buckbee, in regard to the tax increases going into effect in a couple of weeks. “The Democrats are hurting the very populations they claim the budget assists. Our hardworking families in New Milford will have to find a way to pay these new taxes. Earlier in the year, I voted against these proposals. I would encourage you to direct questions or concerns about these new taxes to those who voted in favor of them.”

The new tax rate is applicable to prepared meals, snacks and drinks that are sold both in restaurants and grocery stores.

Some of the new taxes on meals and snacks include:

Sandwiches, grinders, and wraps;
Popsicles, ice cream cones, cups, sundaes, and other individual servings of frozen desserts unless sold in factory prepackaged multi-unit packs;
Ice cream, frozen yogurt, and other frozen desserts sold in containers of less than one pint;
Salads sold at salad bars;
Pizza, whole or by the slice;
Cooked chicken sold by the piece, including buckets of chicken, and whole cooked chickens;
Cooked ribs sold by the piece or portion and whole racks of ribs;
Hot dogs served on a bun or heated;
Bagels that are individually prepared;
Soup sold in containers of 8 ounces or less, unless sold in factory prepackaged units;

Some of the new taxes on drinks include:

Beer, including nonalcoholic beer;
Fruit juices, sweetened beverages, soft drinks, and soda;
Carbonated water;
Coffee or tea (ready to consume, hot or iced);
Distilled alcohol such as brandy, rum, whiskey, gin, vodka, and tequila;
Fountain drinks of any kind;

The new taxes on food represent a mere snapshot of the increase to the cost of living in Connecticut. In addition to the taxes referenced above, there will be a new motor vehicle trade-in fee and new taxes assess to digital downloads.

To access the Department of Revenue Service’s advisory opinion on the new taxes, please click here.

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