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By Paula Gomes, Tennessee Conservative News –
Following the passage of a bill that allows counties with a metropolitan form of government to lower or exempt food altogether from local sales tax, Davidson County is set to decrease the local sales tax on groceries starting in November.
According to the Tennessee Department of Revenue, the decreased rate will be 1.75 percent. The 4 percent state grocery tax will remain as is, which means that the combined rate on qualifying items will be 5.75 percent.
The average family in Nashville is expected to save around $72 a year as a result of the lower rate.
The legislation applies only to three areas in the state. These are Nashville-Davidson, Memphis-Shelby, and Hartsville-Trousdale. While it does not impact a majority of Tennessee consumers who have been asking lawmakers to address cost of living issues, existing law already allows cities to reduce or eliminate their own grocery taxes.
The lowered rate will apply to food and food ingredients sold within Davidson county which includes Nashville, Berry Hill, Belle Meade, Oak Hill, Forest Hills, and a portion of Goodlettsville that falls within the county.
Candy, prepared food, and dietary supplements are exempt, as well as tobacco and alcoholic beverages.
Last year, Republican leadership promised to reduce or entirely eliminate the grocery tax from certain or all foods for every Tennessean.
However, during the 2026 legislative session, not a single proposed bill made it to the floor of either the House or the Senate. Some bills were sidelined early on in the session. Others died on the last day still sitting in committees.
Sources:
https://www.wsmv.com/2026/08/25/heres-when-food-tax-rate-will-decrease-nashville
About the Author: Paula Gomes is a Tennessee resident and reporter for The Tennessee Conservative. You can reach Paula at paula@tennesseeconservativenews.com.
One Response
If they were smart they’d double or triple tax on junk, eliminate it on staples. Guess the junk lobby pays them too well.