Washington Next In Line To Tax Candy
I mentioned a while back about Massachusetts thinking about taxing candy. And again here when Illinois did it. Add Washington to that list now as a proposal introduced ahead of the Jan. 11 start of legislative session could make candy and gum taxable.
They’ve tried this before and it didn’t pass…and it might not pass this time either as opponents are worried about children being taxed out of their allowance. But like most states, Washington is dealing with a shortfall and it’s estimated a tax on candy could bring in an additional $28 million in its first year.
Supporters of the tax say it might change the minds of some people who buy candy and maybe they’ll make healthier choices. I don’t know about that. If I want a candy bar and it’s going to be taxed, but it’s sitting right next to an apple that isn’t taxed, I’m buying the candy because I want candy. Opponents claim it will cost jobs at the Almond Roca plant because a tax will hurt sales.
There is some movement to use the tax money for health care issues and not to pay down the shortfall. There’s also the aged old question of what exactly is candy. The law may say something like anything made with flour or that needs refrigeration is not taxable, which may lead to confusion. For example, Kit Kats would not be taxed because it contains flour. You’re going to tell me Kit Kats aren’t candy?
By the way, according to the Economic Opportunity Institute, 29 states tax candy and gum.