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Oklahoma's tax cut on groceries now in effect. What qualifies?

Starting Aug. 29, Oklahoma's state sales tax on groceries comes off the books.
Scott Evans
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Starting Aug. 29, Oklahoma's state sales tax on groceries comes off the books.

Oklahoma's sales tax on groceries is coming to an end.

Starting Aug. 29, the state’s 4.5% sales tax on groceries will be eliminated, following the signing of the bill by Gov. Kevin Stitt in February.

The tax cut is estimated to save the average Oklahoman about $104 per year.

Beginning Thursday, you shouldn’t be charged the state sales tax on most grocery items. However, you might want to double-check your receipt.

"Merchants are responsible for making the necessary adjustments to make sure the appropriate tax is applied," said Quorum Call publisher Shawn Ashley. "So, consumers are going to have to look at their receipts to be certain that is the case."

Although the state's portion of sales tax will be eliminated on most items in your grocery store, local governments can still charge sales tax. For example, Oklahoma City's sales tax is 4.125%.

Foods that qualify for state tax exemption

  • Fresh produce (including pre-cut and packaged produce)
  • Canned fruits and vegetables
  • Meat and meat products (raw, frozen, cured, canned or dehydrated)
  • Bread
  • Baking ingredients
  • Cereal
  • Eggs
  • Milk
  • Yogurt
  • Cheese
  • Pastas
  • Peanut butter
  • Jellies, jams, marmalades and preserves
  • Salad dressings
  • Soups (packaged, canned or frozen)
  • Snack foods (chips, crackers, pretzels)
  • Baby food
  • Frozen entrées
  • Bottled water
  • Energy drinks
  • Soft drinks
  • Coffee and tea (not in a reusable cup)

Foods where state tax will still apply

  • Deli sandwiches prepared by the retailer
  • Hot soups
  • Hot rotisserie chicken
  • Pre-heated convenience store food
  • Sushi made by the seller
  • Heated cooked shrimp
  • Alcoholic beverages
  • Dietary supplements
  • Restaurant takeout and delivery
  • Food prepared at a movie theater or concession stands

View the full product list here from the Oklahoma Tax Commission.


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Nyk has worked in radio since 2011 serving as a board operator, on-air announcer and production director for commercial radio stations in Iowa. Originally from the Quad Cities area, Nyk joined KGOU in 2018 as a practicum student studying Creative Media Production at OU. Upon graduating the following year, he became part of KGOU’s staff and is now the local Morning Edition host. When not on the air, Nyk likes to read, listen to music and follow news about the radio industry.
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