A 1% sales and use tax increase goes into effect for Virginia’s Historic Triangle region on July 1, 2018.

The increase, which was passed by the 2018 Virginia General Assembly, applies to sales made in Williamsburg and the counties of James City and York, with the exception of food purchased for human consumption.

“We want to ensure businesses located or reporting sales in the Historic Triangle area stay informed,” said Tax Commissioner Craig M. Burns. “We are sending letters out this week to those affected by this change, detailing the requirements related to the new sales and use tax.”

The sales tax revenues will be equally divided between two groups, with 50% benefitting the newly-created Historic Triangle Marketing Fund to market, promote and advertise the Historic Triangle as a tourism destination. The other 50% will be distributed to the localities in which the tax was collected.