Plus tax...

[matt1902]

Hi All
I have noticed that on a lot of american sites it says something will cost X amount of dollars plus tax....

Is their tax like our VAT, one fixed rate (if so, do you know what it is), and why dont they just make it easy like we do of just adding it on...

Thanks

 

[kristieuk]

It is like VAT, and varies from state to state. It is 6% in Florida I think, and you are right, it gets confusing because it is added on at the checkout, so you always have to add on a bit as you are shopping.

Some stores like Macey's let you have an international shopper discount card which I think gives 11% off (not sure why!).

 

[2Tiggies]

It's sales tax.

You have to add it on mentally when you make your purchases. It is for the most part 6.5% on purchases. Services may have a different tax rate, which is usually higher.

You will find the odd place where it is 6% in Disney. If you actually notice this which you don't unless you sit with a calculator (it doesn't show the specific percentage on your receipt, only the tax amount). This is because Disney is in 2 different counties (Orange and Osceola) and the tax rate is apparently 0.5 different.

I suppose it would be simpler to have it inlcuded in the price, but if you are used to adding it in I suppose you don't know to wish for anything different.

 

[Elise79]

Sales tax in fl is 6.5%.

The resort tax applied to hotel rooms varies by county. For Disney it is mainly 12.5% (Orange County) but AKL & Allstars it is 13% as they are in osceola county!

 

[kristieuk]

Actually, maybe they don't include it in the price because it does vary from state to state and even county to county it seems! That would make for a lot of different price tickets, and a lot of confusion

 

[2Tiggies]

Actually, maybe they don't include it in the price because it does vary from state to state and even county to county it seems! That would make for a lot of different price tickets, and a lot of confusion

Makes sense.

 

[scottishgirl87]

I'm used to it now but I remember when I first started going to the States I would always get caught out! Say something's 2 for $15, would have $15 at the ready at the cash desk then they say it's X amount extra because of tax!

Always remember nowadays!

 

[Rohais]

Tax doesn't get added to any medical items..which is a relief based on how many items of that nature I end up needing to purchase each and every trip, for some reason.

Last year it was a solution for swimmers ear...which I ended up not being able to use...and advil