Arkansas House Bill HB1661

Arkansas 2023 Regular Session

• Introduced: 3/16/23
• Refer: 3/16/23
• Failed: 5/1/23

Caption

To Repeal The Sales And Use Tax On Food And Food Ingredients; And To Exempt Food And Food Ingredients From Sales And Use Tax.

Impact

The impact of HB1661 could be substantial, particularly for low-income households who often face greater financial strain from taxes on food purchases. By removing sales tax on food, the state encourages more spending on groceries, potentially boosting overall economic activity in the food service and retail sectors. However, the repeal may also lead to a decline in state tax revenues, which raises concerns about funding for public services that rely on tax income. The bill may require careful consideration of how the state will offset potential revenue losses while achieving its economic goals.

Summary

House Bill 1661 aims to repeal the sales and use tax on food and food ingredients in Arkansas, shifting the focus towards enhancing access to food for residents by relieving the financial burden of these taxes. The bill seeks to exempt essential food items from sales tax, a significant change that proponents argue will alleviate economic pressures on low-income families and provide more equitable access to nutritious food options. It is expected that this reform will encourage consumer spending in the grocery sector and positively impact local economies by increasing food sales without the tax burden.

Contention

Notable points of contention regarding HB1661 revolve around the potential financial trade-offs. Critics express concerns that the repeal could create a funding gap for essential public services funded by the sales tax revenue, such as education and health services. Proponents argue that the social benefits of improved access to food outweigh the potential downsides of reduced revenue. Furthermore, there are discussions on how this exemption might affect the distribution of tax burdens and whether it promotes fairness within the tax system.