Is there sales tax on groceries in Idaho?
Quick answer
Yes. Idaho taxes groceries at the full 6% state rate plus any local rate.
Groceries are taxable at the full 6% rate; Idaho offsets this with an annual grocery credit claimed on the income tax return.
Rule summary
How Idaho treats each category.
| Grocery food (home consumption) | Taxable at the full rate |
|---|---|
| Prepared and restaurant food | Taxable at the full combined rate (6%) |
| Candy and soft drinks | Usually taxable even where groceries are exempt |
| Prescription medicine | Exempt |
Source: Idaho State Tax Commission · rates as published for 2026
This page summarizes the general rule. Every state writes exceptions for specific products, and local jurisdictions can differ from the state treatment. Confirm your situation with the Idaho State Tax Commission or a tax professional before relying on it for filing.
Combined rates in Idaho
What a taxable purchase actually costs in Idaho.
Frequently asked
Answers pulled from the same rule set.
- Is there sales tax on groceries in Idaho?
- Yes. Idaho taxes groceries at the full 6% state rate plus any local rate.
- Is prepared food taxed differently than groceries in Idaho?
- Yes. Idaho treats hot, ready-to-eat and restaurant food as a taxable retail sale even where unprepared grocery food is exempt or reduced.
- Are prescription drugs taxable in Idaho?
- No. Prescription medicine is exempt from sales tax in Idaho.
More Idaho guides
Other Idaho rules that change the total.