Is there sales tax on groceries in Montana?
Quick answer
Montana has no general state sales tax, so groceries are untaxed at the state level.
Montana has no general state sales tax, so groceries are not taxed at the state level.
Rule summary
How Montana treats each category.
| Grocery food (home consumption) | Not taxed by the state |
|---|---|
| Prepared and restaurant food | Not taxed by the state |
| Candy and soft drinks | Not taxed by the state |
| Prescription medicine | Exempt |
Source: Montana 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 Montana Department of Revenue or a tax professional before relying on it for filing.
Combined rates in Montana
What a taxable purchase actually costs in Montana.
Frequently asked
Answers pulled from the same rule set.
- Is there sales tax on groceries in Montana?
- Montana has no general state sales tax, so groceries are untaxed at the state level.
- Is prepared food taxed differently than groceries in Montana?
- Yes. Montana 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 Montana?
- No. Prescription medicine is exempt from sales tax in Montana.
More Montana guides
Other Montana rules that change the total.