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HB 5006

AN ACT CONCERNING THE SALES AND USE TAXES IMPOSED ON MEALS SOLD BY AN EATING ESTABLISHMENT, CATERER OR GROCERY STORE.

2026 Regular Session Introduced by Tim Ackert and 11 co-sponsors

Connecticut bill adjusts sales tax treatment on prepared meals from restaurants, caterers, and grocery stores, affecting consumer costs and state revenue.

REF. TO JOINT COMM. ON Finance, Revenue and Bonding
#cateringestablishments #grocerystores #meals #restaurants #salesandusetax
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Bill Summary · HB 5006

Legislative bill overview

HB 5006 proposes changes to Connecticut's sales and use tax treatment on meals sold by eating establishments, caterers, and grocery stores. The bill was recently referred to the Joint Committee on Finance, Revenue and Bonding in early February 2026. The specific tax modifications are not detailed in the available summary, but the bill addresses how prepared food items are taxed across different retail food service contexts.

Why is this important

Connecticut's meal tax directly affects consumer food costs and business operations in the food service sector. Changes to tax policy on prepared foods can influence grocery store profits, restaurant competitiveness, consumer spending patterns, and state revenue. Food tax policy also has equity implications, as lower-income households typically spend a higher percentage of income on prepared meals.

Potential points of contention

  • Whether tax increases or decreases on prepared foods are regressive (disproportionately burdening lower-income households) or progressive
  • Competitive fairness between eating establishments, caterers, and grocery store delis that may be affected differently by any tax restructuring
  • State revenue impact—tax cuts on meals reduce state income, while increases may push consumer behavior toward untaxed grocery items or out-of-state purchases

Compiled from official sources — confirm details with the bill’s official record.

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