Idahoan pushes to remove grocery sales tax for 2026 ballot

IDAHO, USA — After failed legislation, an Idahoan is taking matters into his own hands to remove the grocery sales tax.

Payette County GOP Central Committee chairman Howard Rynearson is gathering signatures for a citizen initiative that would need support from 6% of voters in at least 18 of Idaho's 35 legislative districts to qualify for the November 2026 ballot.

Over 70,000 signatures will be needed.

"This is not a party issue at all. This is a citizens issue," Rynearson said.

Idaho is one of only 13 states that still taxes groceries. The proposed initiative would eliminate both the grocery tax and the current grocery tax credit, which provides $155 per person annually when residents file their income taxes.

The measure would maintain sales tax on alcohol, tobacco and restaurant food