Why is there sales tax on coffee in California ?

Question

I just bought coffee from the largest chain supermarket in the West, and it was 1.95 for a medium cup, plus .16 sales tax !! And there is no tax on food items in CA.

I called the corp office, and they said they thought it becomes taxable when they add sweeteners - I told them it was straight coffee - then they said if they add cream, etc. it becomes "food" again - in answer to why there is no tax on Starbucks coffee.

Answer 1

While grocery foods are not taxed, ready-to-eat meals are.  Your cup of coffee falls into that description.  You're actually paying the Meal Tax, not Sales Tax.

Answer 2

If coffee is purchased "to go" by itself (not as a part of a meal) it is not taxable in CA unless the vendor makes 80% of its sales from food and 80% of the food sold is taxable (hot or dine-in). It sounds like you were erroneously charged tax on this purchase.

Food is taxable in CA if it is hot (other than coffee, tea, other hot beverages) or if it is purchased to be eaten on the premises.

Answer 3

Coffee in the can is groceries, not taxable.

Hot coffee in the cup is prepared food, taxable.

Answer 4

Don't you find it interesting that the Boston Tea Party that started the revolution began over a two cent tax on tea that ignited the whole powder keg?  

Answer 5

Because its not *raw*.  The beans are cooked (roasted).  Only raw foods are not taxed.  And to second that motion "It's all about the money."  Have a joyous weekend guys and gals.  

Answer 6

Great question. Lawmakers make the law and interpret the law. Sometimes their interpretations make no sense to us lay people. My suggestion is that you look at the history of how the Ca department of Revenue came to the final legal conclusion. You may get a good laugh out of it!

Answer 7

Because democrats are to taxation as drug addicts are to drugs.

Answer 8

Man is all about the Money !

Answer 9

they are cheeky, shop somewhere else, the raggamuffins!!!!