MS HB1681

Phases out sales tax on retail food sales (not purchased with food stamps) that would be exempt if purchased with food stamps, beginning July 1, 2017 through July 1, 2023.

Implements a graduated tax rate reduction: 6% (2017-2018), 5% (2018-2019), 4% (2019-2020), 3% (2020-2021), 2% (2021-2022), 1% (2022-2023), and full exemption after July 1, 2023.

Amends Mississippi Code Section 27-65-17 to add the new tax bracket for food items and Section 27-65-111 to add a corresponding exemption effective July 1, 2023.

Applies only to food for human consumption that meets the same criteria as food purchased with federal food stamps or other qualifying federal food assistance programs.

Effective date is July 1, 2017, with tax provisions continuing through full exemption on July 1, 2023.