Legislators aim to help Idahoans with House Bill 61

BOISE, Idaho (KMVT/KSVT) — A new bill in the Idaho House will increase the state’s food tax credit by $20 to $30.

“What it allows is individuals to purchase approximately $200 more of groceries every month that would be tax free,” Idaho House Majority Leader Rep. Jason Monks (R) explained.

Rep. Monks proposed House Bill 61; he said people can add more money to their pockets by itemizing.

However, some state Democrats disagree that the tax will be that beneficial.

“The amount that you can use to deduct groceries tax on your income tax by $35,” Rep. Steve Berch (D), a House Revenue and Tax Committee member, said. “You won’t even benefit from it until calendar year 2027.”

Rep. Monks disagreed, saying that if the bill passes, people can start claiming this credit as soon as next year.

“It is an attempt to try to get money back in people’s pockets immediately,” Rep. Monks said.

Rep. Berch said that constituents want Idaho’s grocery tax to be eliminated.

“When I knock on doors and talk to voters, I hear it over and over again. And it’s not just the people who are struggling financially, but it’s their neighbors who will tell me, ‘I’m OK but Marry down the street, who’s a widow? She’s really struggling, and I don’t understand why we’re taxing groceries.‘”

However, Rep. Monks argued that eliminating the grocery tax would harm Idaho’s economy.

“That actually would end up being a tax increase for many families because the credit actually provides more money than they’re spending on that,” Rep. Monks said.

Rep. Lance Clow (R) said the added refund will only benefit Idaho residents.

“We’ll still be collecting the tax on noncitizens of Idaho,” Rep. Clow said. “But we’ll be providing a major refund to everyone else.”

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