I think I got ripped off and taxed for food?

Question

I bought a bag of mini lays BBQ chips the other week, and the price tag at the Mini mart said $2.49. So I paid two bucks and 49 cents plus tax. Later when I went to eat the bag I saw 99cents in small print at the very top of the bag, like I got ripped off.

And I think I remember someone telling me there is never tax on food in the USA.

Answer 1

Not true that there is never tax on food in the US - it depends on the state, and on the type of food.

And a store can charge whatever it wants to for an item, so if they priced it at 2.49 and you were willing to pay that, then that's the price.  Minimarts do charge more for most items than other stores, but that does seem excessive and more like a mistake - if you still have the receipt, take it back and see what the item is priced at now, then ask them about it if it shows a 99 cent preprice.  Preprices are usually not in very small print though on the bag.

Answer 2

Sales tax laws vary from state to state.  Some states tax food at the regular tax rate, some states tax food at a reduced tax rate, and some states don't tax food at all.

The states also have their own definition of food.  Here is an old example that has since been corrected.  NY used to tax marshmallows differently.  The big marshmallows were not taxed as food while the little marshmallows were taxed as candy at the regular rate of sales tax.

Answer 3

There is tax on food...if you can chew it and swallow it, it can be taxed.  If you saw that it said 99 cents you could take your receipt back with the bag and ask for a refund of the difference.  

Answer 4

we pay taxes for food at the grocery store

Answer 5

Tax on food depends on the state.  In Florida food is not taxable unless you buy it ready to eat or at a restaurant.  In Georgia all food is taxable.  Each state has it's own laws and it's own exceptions.

If you were charged 2.49 for a .99 item you should return to the store and demand a refund.

Answer 6

Food is not taxable unless it is prepared (like at a restaurant) You got ripped off for the tax and the store could also probably get in trouble from the chip manufacturer because their suggested retail is printed on the bag!