Sandwiches
Tax Bulletin ST-835 (TB-ST-835) Printer-Friendly Version (PDF)
Issue Date: April 13, 2011


Introduction

Sandwiches are generally subject to sales tax. This bulletin explains what is considered a sandwich for sales tax purposes. Additional resources relating to sales of food and beverages (e.g., sales by restaurants or food stores, sales from vending machines, or sales of candy) are listed at the end of this bulletin.

What is considered a sandwich

Sandwiches include cold and hot sandwiches of every kind that are prepared and ready to be eaten, whether made on bread, on bagels, on rolls, in pitas, in wraps, or otherwise, and regardless of the filling or number of layers. A sandwich can be as simple as a buttered bagel or roll, or as elaborate as a six-foot, toasted submarine sandwich.

Some examples of taxable sandwiches include:

  • common sandwiches, such as:
    • BLTs (bacon, lettuce, and tomato sandwiches);
    • club sandwiches;
    • cold cut sandwiches;
    • grilled cheese sandwiches;
    • peanut butter and jelly sandwiches
    • salad-type sandwiches (e.g., chicken, egg, ham, and tuna);
  • bagel sandwiches (served buttered or with spreads, or otherwise as a sandwich);
  • burritos
  • cheese-steak sandwiches;
  • croissant sandwiches;
  • fish fry sandwiches;
  • flatbread sandwiches;
  • breakfast sandwiches;
  • gyros;
  • hamburgers on buns, rolls, etc.;
  • heroes, hoagies, torpedoes, grinders, submarines, and other such sandwiches;
  • hot dogs and sausages on buns, rolls, etc.;
  • melt sandwiches;
  • open-faced sandwiches;
  • panini sandwiches;
  • Reuben sandwiches; and

  • wraps and pita sandwiches.

Exempt sales

Sales of sandwiches are not taxable if the purchaser is exempt from sales tax and gives the seller a properly completed exemption certificate.

Purchases for resale

Sandwiches generally cannot be purchased for resale. When a sandwich that has been taxed is subsequently resold, the seller must collect tax from the purchaser on the selling price. However, the seller may take a credit on its sales tax return for the actual amount of tax that it originally paid.

Note: A Tax Bulletin is an informational document designed to provide general guidance in simplified language on a topic of interest to taxpayers. It is accurate as of the date issued. However, taxpayers should be aware that subsequent changes in the Tax Law or its interpretation may affect the accuracy of a Tax Bulletin. The information provided in this document does not cover every situation and is not intended to replace the law or change its meaning.
Updated: April 12, 2011