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Sponsor pitches tax deduction for grocers to boost Montana-produced foods; revenue and audit questions raised
Summary
House Bill 440 would let grocers deduct 50% of net income attributable to Montana-produced foods from state taxable income to incentivize shelf space for local producers; the Department of Revenue flagged $278,400 estimated revenue loss and proposed two FTEs for audit and verification.
Helena — House Bill 440, dubbed the "Montana Food First" bill, would create a state income tax subtraction for grocers equal to 50% of net income from the sale of Montana-produced food and beverage products, with proponents arguing it would help family farms win shelf space.
Representative Jane Weber, sponsor, said the measure aims to level the playing field for Montana producers facing national manufacturers and the slotting allowances and distribution advantages those manufacturers can use to secure shelf placement. Weber described the proposal as…
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