Sales tax relief for sellers of meals in Connecticut

Connecticut’s recently-enacted budget included legislation authorizing sales tax relief for sellers of meals. Under the legislation, certain sellers of meals can keep 100% of the sales tax collected during one of the following weeks, as selected by the establishment:

• Aug. 1, 2021, to Aug. 7, 2021;
• Dec. 12, 2021 to Dec. 18, 2021; or
• May 15, 2022, to May 21, 2022

Qualifying taxpayers must: (1) sell meals as an eating establishment, caterer or grocery store, and (2) be included in Section 72 of the North American Industries Classification System (NAICS), 2017 edition.

Under Connecticut statute, "meal" means food products which are furnished, prepared or served in such a form and in such portions that they are ready for immediate consumption and includes food products which are sold on a "take out" or "to go" basis and which are actually packaged or wrapped.

NAICS Section 72 comprises the Accommodation and Food Services industry group and includes businesses that provide customers with lodging and/or prepared meals, snacks, and beverages for immediate consumption. Specifically excluded from the section are civic and social organizations, amusement and recreation parks, theaters and other recreation or entertainment facilities providing food and beverage services.

On July 29, 2021, The Department of Revenue Services (DRS) issued Special Bulletin TSSB 2021-6 regarding this sales tax relief provision. According to the bulletin, sellers taking advantage of the relief will be required to provide information regarding the sales of meals during its selected week. The information will need to be provided at the time the seller files its sales tax return for the period that includes the selected week. No additional details regarding the information reporting requirements is currently available, but DRS advises sellers to monitor the DRS website, as additional information is expected soon.

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