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B26-0775

Meals Tax Relief Amendment Act of 2026

Last scannedAug 25, 2026, 4:28 AM

In one sentence

This bill lowers the sales tax on restaurant food and drinks in Washington, D.C., to match the general sales tax rate.

Reduces a portion of the meals tax from 9% or 10% down to 5% starting when the law takes effect until September 30, 2027.
Sets that same portion of the meals tax at 6% beginning October 1, 2027, and continuing after that date.
Keeps a separate 1% tax unchanged so the total restaurant tax drops from 10% to 6% through September 30, 2027.
Sets the total restaurant tax at 7% starting October 1, 2027, which matches the general sales tax rate at that time.
Amends D.C. Official Code sections 47-2002 and 47-2202 to create these new tax rates for food prepared for immediate consumption.

Restaurants in the District of Columbia that sell food or drinks ready to eat right away.
Residents and visitors who buy meals at restaurants in Washington, D.C.

The bill does not take effect until after approval by the Mayor, a possible veto override, and a 30-day review period.
The exact date the tax changes begin depends on when all legal steps for enactment are finished.

Plain language

Meals tax: A sales tax charged on food or drinks prepared for immediate consumption at restaurants.
General sales tax: The standard 6% tax rate applied to most other goods and services in the District of Columbia, which is scheduled to increase later.

Official record

Source attached

Meals Tax Relief Amendment Act of 2026

Official activity