Iowa Admin. Code r. 701—225.1(423) — Paper or plastic plates, cups, and dishes; paper napkins; wooden or plastic spoons and forks; and straws

When paper or plastic cups, plates, and dishes, paper napkins, and wooden or plastic spoons, forks, and other utensils are sold with food or other items to a buyer, and the buyer uses or consumes the utensils, sales of those utensils to retailers are considered sales for resale. The sales price from the sale of such items by retailers to consumers or users is subject to tax. When these articles are transferred in connection with a service or sold for free distribution by retailers apart from a retail sale, the transaction is deemed to be a retail sale to the retailer and therefore is taxable. Sales of reusable placemats to retailers that sell meals are also subject to tax. Example 1: A retailer purchases napkins and disposable forks and knives for the retailer’s restaurant. The retailer provides these items free of charge, apart from the retail sale of food at the retailer’s restaurant. Sale of these items to the retailer is a retail sale and is subject to tax. Example 2: A retailer purchases napkins and disposable forks and knives for the retailer’s restaurant. The retailer sells these items with tangible personal property to the retailer’s customers. The sale of these items to the retailer is considered a sale for resale and is not subject to Iowa sales tax at the time of purchase.