What items are not taxed in the US?

Asked by: Terrill Stokes  |  Last update: August 16, 2026
Score: 4.5/5 (5 votes)

In the US, items typically not subject to sales tax include essential groceries (unprepared food), prescription medications, specific medical devices, and, in many states, clothing or newspapers. These exemptions vary significantly by state, with five states (AK, DE, MT, NH, OR) having no statewide sales tax at all.

Is there anything that isn't taxed in the US?

Inheritances, gifts, cash rebates, alimony payments (for divorce decrees finalized after 2018), child support payments, most healthcare benefits, welfare payments, and money that is reimbursed from qualifying adoptions are deemed nontaxable by the IRS.

What items are exempt from sales tax in the US?

Some items are exempt from sales and use tax, including:

  • Sales of certain food products for human consumption.
  • Sales to the U.S. Government.
  • Sales of prescription medicine and certain medical devices.
  • Sales of items paid for with EBT cards.

Which items are exempt from tax?

Goods and services exempted from VAT are:

  • Non-fee related financial services.
  • Educational services provided by an approved educational institution.
  • Residential rental accommodation, and.
  • Public road and rail transport.

Does the IRS track Venmo?

The IRS does not actively monitor every Venmo account 1-(855)(518)(9622). However, Venmo may report certain transactions to the IRS if they meet federal reporting requirements 1-(855)(518)(9622). This typically applies to income-related payments, not casual personal transfers 1-(855)(518)(9622).

How to Avoid Taxes Legally in The US (Do This Now!)

17 related questions found

What is the 20k rule?

The "20k rule" refers to the traditional IRS threshold for reporting income from payment apps and online marketplaces on Form 1099-K: over $20,000 in gross payments AND more than 200 transactions in a calendar year. While a law (the American Rescue Plan) temporarily lowered the threshold to $600, recent legislation, the One Big Beautiful Bill Act (OBBBA) (OBBBA), has reinstated the $20,000/200-transaction rule for tax years starting in 2025, providing relief for casual sellers and gig workers. 

What items won't be taxed?

Basic Groceries

Non-taxable grocery items include: Dairy products (milk, cheese, yogurt) Fresh and frozen vegetables. Meats, poultry, and fish.

What is a tax-free item?

Tax Free is a consumption tax exemption system that applies to general stores in cities, such as department stores and shopping malls. On the other hand, Duty Free is specific to Duty Free shops located in restricted airport areas. This system exempts goods from customs duties, tobacco tax, and liquor tax, etc.

What is tax free in the US?

Tax free can refer to tax free goods, services, or earnings. The most common tax free securities are municipal bonds, followed by some mutual funds that invest in tax-exempt securities. Items exempt from tax includes gifts, cash rebates on purchased goods, and child support payments.

How does Trump no tax on overtime?

No Tax on Overtime is a provision that was included in a larger tax reform bill that passed in July 2025. It allows certain workers to deduct up to $12,500 in qualified overtime compensation from their taxable income on their federal income tax return. Joint filers can deduct up to $25,000.

Can I give my daughter 20 thousand pounds?

Can I give my son or daughter £20,000? While you can give your son or daughter a cash gift of £20,000 (or more), there may be tax implications. That's because any money you give that exceeds your £3,000 tax-free gift allowance will be added to the value of your estate and may be subject to inheritance tax when you die.

What is the 14 year rule?

Taking both 7 year periods together means that you need to know how much of the NRB has been used on chargeable transfers ('chargeable' gifts) for up to 14 years before death. This is what's known as the 14 year shadow (or sometimes the 14 year rule).

Are headphones tax free?

Remember, these categories vary by state. However, some commonly tax-exempt items include laptops, desktops, servers, and even tech accessories like wireless headphones and more.

Which gifts are not taxable?

Cash or gifts received upto Rs. 50,000 during a financial year are exempt from tax; however, in case of gifts of a value higher than this threshold, the entire amount is taxable in the hands of the recipient. Gifts Exceeding Rs. 50,000 - For example, if you receive gifts worth Rs.

What is the $27.39 rule?

The "27.39 rule" (often rounded to $27.40) is a simple financial strategy to save $10,000 in one year by consistently setting aside $27.40 every single day, making it an achievable micro-saving habit to build wealth or an emergency fund. It turns the daunting goal of saving $10,000 into a manageable daily action, emphasizing consistency over large lump sums.