Real Nova Network by Chris Colgan

New taxes are just the best way to start the new year, right? I jest, of course. While Fairfax County has dropped a new, heftier meal tax on Jan. 1, despite it being a downer, it’s (thankfully) not life-ruining. A luxury tax is always preferred over a services cut or a property tax. At least in this VA, residents have a choice. At the same time, it’s good to be aware of what this new tax affects in order to protect your wallet— and your dignity when the bill arrives higher than expected. Below is an outline of everything the new tariff entails: what exactly it will affect, what it won’t affect, and how to find workarounds for more reasonable prices.
 

The Fairfax County tax (named the beverage and food tax) is described as: a 4% tax on all prepared food and beverages sold as a meal. 

Not only do bars, cafes, and eateries face the tax, but so do ice cream stands, health clubs, movie theaters, bowling alleys, nightclubs, cafeterias, and more. 

Luckily, groceries are exempt, but if you’re getting a rotisserie chicken or a deli sandwich, that levy will apply. Takeout meals and delivery orders are part of the meal tax too, so anything from DoorDash, Uber Eats, etc., is bound to be more expensive. Even catering and food trucks are at the mercy of a 4% hike. Despite the tax’s name, prepackaged beverages sold alone (like a 6-pack of Pepsi) are exempt, and so are pre-packaged snacks (that would be too cruel). 

There’s an ‘Alcohol Rule’ that doesn’t exempt liquor purchased in an open container from an establishment, but does excuse bottled or canned or other factory-sealed drinks from a shop. 

Now, let’s talk about locations. Though it’s a Fairfax County-wide tax, some places aren’t included. The towns of Clifton, Herndon, and Vienna, and the cities of Fairfax and Falls Church, aren’t dealing with the 4% increase. Keep in mind that many of these areas have their own tax already implemented. Sometimes, though, that can be a great workaround. 

Clifton, for example, only has a 2% tax on meals, making them far cheaper than neighboring towns. 

Check out local spots for discounts or deal— many have prepared for the tax and bill increase by providing residents with a lower cost for items. Other establishments are making specific days have certain deals in case it’s too pricey on the average day for patrons. 

I won’t lie to you: this tax is yet another aggravating dent in the bill when you eat out at local restaurants. Virginia already has a weighty sales tax (of 6%), so this 4% will feel more like a 10% increase on your tab. It will affect all sorts of prepared food that many residents most likely don’t consider prepared, so watch out. Luckily, as described above, there is some wiggle room depending on where you go in NoVa. Locals are not loving this new levy.