Depending on where you are in Fairfax County, buying a meal will now cost you more, whether you dine in or take out.
Starting Jan. 1, 2026, the county will begin levying a 4% tax on the purchase of all prepared food and beverages sold as a meal, on top of the existing 6% state sales tax.
News4 heard reactions at McLean Family Restaurant, which has operated for more than 50 years.
“Living in Fairfax County is already expensive, and the price of food is expensive, so, adding 4% is gonna be tough,” Anthony Anikeef said.
“We have a good school system, and we have good roads, and part of it is we have to pay for that, so, if it's reasonable, it's something we can tolerate. But those who legislate these laws should be mindful that people don't have unlimited funds,” he added.
Supporters say the move helps avoid raising real estate taxes. Critics argue it further burdens businesses and residents.
“At some point, people are going to say, well, I'm going to skip that meal. I'm not going out for breakfast. I'm not going out for dinner. I'm going to eat at home,” another restaurant customer said. “It becomes, then, counterintuitive. Instead of raising more money, you end up not getting as much money, because people aren't going out as much.”
“I do think the county should look first to its own revenue – to how it’s spending money now – rather than trying to raise additional revenue,” another customer said.
A $35 meal will cost an extra $1.40 with the tax.
The Fairfax County Board of Supervisors passed the meal tax earlier this year to help address budget challenges, though voters have rejected similar measures twice. It’s expected to generate about $67 million in revenue for this fiscal year.
You can expect to pay the tax at businesses such as restaurants, bars, bakeries, mobile food services, coffee shops and delis.
Santini’s New York Style Deli recently posted a sign alerting customers to the changes.
There are exceptions: The tax does not apply in the towns of Clifton, Herndon or Vienna, or the cities of Fairfax or Falls Church, because these areas have their own separate meals taxes. It also won’t apply on college campuses for purchases made by students or employees.
Businesses are responsible for signing up and collecting the meal tax. For the first two years, the county will give a discount; business owners who pay on time will be allowed to keep 3% of the taxes collected.
Supervisor Pat Herrity, who represents the Springfield district, spoke out against the tax.
“I opposed the meals tax as it was soundly rejected by our residents not once but twice, it is a tax on a single industry that is struggling post pandemic, and the fact that this Board has yet to do a deep dive on County spending which has increased 50% in the last 10 years,” he said in a statement, in part. “The County has a spending problem not a revenue problem and growing the spending on the backs of residents that buy prepared foods and our restaurant businesses is not the answer.”
Board Chair Jeff McKay defended the tax.
“As part of broader efforts to diversify county revenue and reduce reliance on real estate taxes, Fairfax County is implementing a meals tax, consistent with the majority of our regional neighbors. This decision comes after extensive public input and careful consideration by the Board,” he said in a statement. “While a portion of the revenue could ideally support real estate tax relief, it will also provide additional funding for core services. Importantly, this revenue allows visitors to help fund the services our residents rely on, ensuring that county residents are not solely responsible for covering these costs. I remain committed to working with the community to ensure these funds are used responsibly and provide meaningful benefits to homeowners and our residents more generally."
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