Proposed Amendment Would end Kansas Grocery Sales Tax

Kansas lawmakers are discussing two separate proposals for lowering the state’s sales tax on groceries.

Twelve Kansas senators are sponsoring a proposal to offer voters a constitutional amendment that would reduce the sales tax to zero over three years. One of the sponsors, Democratic Sen. Tom Holland, says voters need to have a voice in how the state is handling its tax policies.

Unlike many other states, Kansas charges its full state sales tax rate on groceries. The rate was increased last year to 6.5 percent.

The Kansas City Star reports another proposal would reduce the grocery sales tax to 2.6 percent while also ending an income tax exemption for 330,000 businesses.

The House Taxation Committee plans to hold hearings on that proposal.