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Rhode Island Grocery Tax (2026)

Permitted: Food and food ingredients for human consumption are exempt from the 7% sales tax (R.I. Gen. Laws 44-18-30(9)).

PermittedVerified Jul 18, 2026

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Food and food ingredients for human consumption are exempt from the 7% sales tax (R.I. Gen. Laws 44-18-30(9)). Candy, soft drinks, dietary supplements, alcoholic beverages, tobacco, and prepared food/meals remain taxable.

Official source: tax.ri.gov →

General legal information, not legal advice — verify important decisions with a licensed attorney.

Grocery Tax in states bordering Rhode Island

The same rule in each neighboring state LawLert has verified, from that state’s own official source.

ConnecticutPermitted
Groceries (food products for human consumption) are exempt from sales tax; candy, carbonated/soft drinks, alcoholic beverages, and prepared meals are taxable.
Verified Jul 4, 2026 · Source: portal.ct.gov · Full Connecticut rule →
MassachusettsPermitted
Food products for human consumption are exempt from sales tax; meals sold by restaurants are taxable. Food purchased with federal food benefits (SNAP) is also exempt.
Verified Jul 12, 2026 · Source: mass.gov · Full Massachusetts rule →

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