Some kids in Washington may be asking for a raise on their allowance next month, because effective June 1st a state sales tax will be levied on all gum, and most candies. There are nearly 3,000 sweet products on the states list to be taxed, and only 263 candies that are not.
As this article from SeattlePI.com explains, the products that are included in the list versus those that will not be taxed has already created confusion for local residents.
For example, Three Musketeers will be taxed but Milky Way will not.
Starburst, Gummi Bears and M&Ms? Yes. Nestle's Crunch and Twizzlers? No.
How will you and retailers know which is which?
The state Department of Revenue has posted a list online of nearly 3,000 items that will be subject to tax ranging from coffee flavored hard candies to Wrigley's Winterfresh chewing gum. You'll find another 263 items that are not.
What's the difference? Basically, flour. If the candy you like is prepared with flour it will not be subject to sales tax.
Candy subject to the tax can be made with "sugar, honey, or other natural or artificial sweeteners combined with chocolate, fruits, nuts, or other ingredients or flavorings and formed into bars, drops, or pieces," according to information from the Department of Revenue.
