Is there sales tax on groceries in Virginia?
Quick answer
Partly. Virginia taxes grocery food at a reduced 1% state rate instead of the full 4.3%, and local rates may still apply on top.
Virginia taxes groceries and essential personal hygiene products at 1%, the local option share only; the 4.3% state portion was removed in 2023.
Rule summary
How Virginia treats each category.
| Grocery food (home consumption) | Reduced state rate of 1% |
|---|---|
| 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: Virginia Department of Taxation · 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 Virginia Department of Taxation or a tax professional before relying on it for filing.
Combined rates in Virginia
What a taxable purchase actually costs in Virginia.
Frequently asked
Answers pulled from the same rule set.
- Is there sales tax on groceries in Virginia?
- Partly. Virginia taxes grocery food at a reduced 1% state rate instead of the full 4.3%, and local rates may still apply on top.
- Is prepared food taxed differently than groceries in Virginia?
- Yes. Virginia 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 Virginia?
- No. Prescription medicine is exempt from sales tax in Virginia.
More Virginia guides
Other Virginia rules that change the total.