Is there sales tax on groceries in Kansas?
Quick answer
No. Groceries bought for home preparation are exempt from Kansas state sales tax. Prepared and restaurant food is still taxable.
Kansas completed its state grocery rate phase-out; food is exempt from the 6.5% state rate, though local rates still apply.
Rule summary
How Kansas treats each category.
| Grocery food (home consumption) | Exempt from state sales tax |
|---|---|
| Prepared and restaurant food | Taxable at the full combined rate (7.5%) |
| Candy and soft drinks | Usually taxable even where groceries are exempt |
| Prescription medicine | Exempt |
Source: Kansas Department of Revenue · 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 Kansas Department of Revenue or a tax professional before relying on it for filing.
Combined rates in Kansas
What a taxable purchase actually costs in Kansas.
Frequently asked
Answers pulled from the same rule set.
- Is there sales tax on groceries in Kansas?
- No. Groceries bought for home preparation are exempt from Kansas state sales tax. Prepared and restaurant food is still taxable.
- Is prepared food taxed differently than groceries in Kansas?
- Yes. Kansas 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 Kansas?
- No. Prescription medicine is exempt from sales tax in Kansas.
More Kansas guides
Other Kansas rules that change the total.