The Fairfax County Board of Supervisors is considering a new tax on all prepared food in the County. On May 21, 2024, the Fairfax County Board of Supervisors voted along party lines (9-1) to study the implementation of a new tax on prepared food. If enacted, the proposed tax could be as high as an additional 6% on these items. The tax would apply to all restaurant food and beverages, prepared food at grocery and convenience stores, salad bars, food trucks and more. There is already a 6% tax on these items in Fairfax, with the new tax added in, prepared food could be subject to a tax as much as 12%.

Supporters of the meals tax say the tax would help to offset the cost of the County’s school system and reduce its dependence on property tax (also increased this year). Opponents point out that a similar food tax proposal failed at the ballot box in 2016 and would make prepared food and dining more expensive in Fairfax than in the surrounding counties, costing jobs and disproportionally affecting those who can least afford these increased prices. The Board of Supervisors is expected to consider a food tax proposal before the end of the year.

For more information, please see the following links:

FAIRFAX TIMES ARTICLE

https://www.fairfaxtimes.com/articles/fairfax_county/county-supervisors-consider-meals-tax/article_6bc63c92-1e9a-11ef-a9f5-031ed86cdf3e.html

FAMILIES AGAINST THE FOOD TAX

https://www.stopthefoodtax.com

CITIZENS AGAINST GOVERNMENT WASTE

https://www.cagw.org/thewastewatcher/fairfax-county-supervisors-consider-raising-taxes-food-while-raising-their-own

RESTAURANT ASSOCUATION OF METROPOLITAN WASHINGTON

https://www.ramw.org/sites/default/files/files/Final%20Fairfax%20Meals%20Tax%20White%20Paper%20(on%20letterhead).pdf

INSIDE NOVA – FAIRFAX TEACHER’S UNION PUSHES FOR MEALS TAX

https://www.insidenova.com/news/education/fairfax/head-of-fairfax-teacher-group-pushes-for-school-funding-meals-tax/article_cdcea886-c681-11e5-bc86-2fd4596d86d5.html