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Is food taxable in Massachusetts?

In the US, states are allowed to set their own sales tax rates. This includes sales tax on items like food or restaurant meals. We’ll explain how the state of Massachusetts handles grocery food and restaurant meal taxability and what businesses need to know about their sales tax obligations when they sell food and beverages.

Are groceries taxable in Massachusetts?

Grocery items are generally tax exempt in Massachusetts. This includes soft drinks, candy and other food types that many other states consider taxable. 

Are meals taxable in Massachusetts?

Massachusetts has a separate “meals tax” for prepared food. That statewide tax is currently 6.25% (which is also Massachusetts’ statewide sales tax rate). Local areas in Massachusetts can also choose to add an additional “local option” sales tax on meals sold in that jurisdiction. 

Food sold by a business that is “primarily engaged in the business of selling meals” is taxable at the Massachusetts meals tax rates. These businesses include restaurants, cafes, food trucks or stands, coffee shops, etc. 

Massachusetts law makes a few exceptions. For example, while a ready-to-eat sandwich sold at a deli would be taxable, a pound of turkey would be tax exempt. Six or more baked goods sold in a unit (such as a pack of 6 bagels or a dozen donuts) would also be tax exempt. 

The state of Massachusetts provides more detail on Sales Tax on Meals and in their code of laws.

Are beverages taxable in Massachusetts?

Poured beverages, as if from a soda fountain, are generally always taxable in Massachusetts. Beverages in original, unopened containers (like a bottle of water or a soft drink) are generally always non-taxable.

In addition, alcoholic beverages are also exempt from sales tax in Massachusetts.

Taxable vs. non-taxable food and beverages in Massachusetts

Massachusetts tax laws stipulate when certain foods are taxable and when food items are exempt from sales tax. Use our chart to understand taxability on the most common types of food and beverage items.

Food / beverage	Taxable	Non-taxable
Groceries		X
Candy		X
Soft drinks (unopened)		X
Soft drinks (poured)	X
Alcohol		X
Hot foods	X
Deli sandwiches	X
Packaged baked goods		X
Single baked goods	X
Catering	X
Delivery meals	X
Vending machine meals/snacks	X (For items $3.50 and more)
Deli prepared foods / salad bars (in grocery stores)	X

How to simplify sales tax compliance in Massachusetts 

Do you sell groceries, meals or beverages? Are you required to collect sales tax in Massachusetts? TaxJar can help simplify and streamline the sales tax process from collection to remittance. 

With the TaxJar API, you can be sure you’re collecting the right amount of sales tax on every transaction. Our product tax codes ensure you collect sales tax on that soft drink but don’t collect sales tax on that plain coffee drink. 

Not to mention, most e-commerce businesses have nexus in multiple states. For example, groceries are taxable in some states, but non-taxable in others. Or, like Massachusetts, where local areas can choose to levy additional sales tax on meals. In total, 49 cities and towns in Massachusetts levy an additional tax. With TaxJar, you’ll collect the right amount of sales tax from every customer, in every state, every time.

Further food and meal taxability resources:

• Sales Tax by State: Are grocery items taxable? 
• Sales Tax by State: To-Go Restaurant Orders
• Is the food I sell on my food truck taxable? 
• Massachusetts Sales Tax Guide for Businesses

Ready to automate sales tax collection, reporting and filing? Click here for more on how TaxJar can take the headache out of sales tax in your food & beverage business.

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