tax on tp?

[smileybrat]

my sister and i were talking last night about weird things that are taxed and not taxed depending on if they are considered essential. ex. fruit not taxed, prepared meals are taxed. we know it is either toilet paper or tissues that are taxed and the other isn't. but which way?

1. toilet paper taxed/ tissues not
2. tissues taxed/ tp not

anyone know for sure?

 

[ratsrule]

See with food stamps you can buy lobster and prime rib , but not TP or diapers or soap

What gives?

 

[smileybrat]

you can buy lobster with food stamps but not tp?

 

[Tina]

Here in VA everything is taxed - essential or not. Consider yourself lucky.
As for food stamps, you can purchase food items, but not ready to eat items such as hot deli foods at the grocery store. This is how they draw the line between grocery shopping and buying Fast Food, since lots of stores now have fast food dining areas in them. As for buying prime rib and lobster, yes it can be done (just because you're poor, it doesn't mean you should have to eat Spam), but it is not wise since you end up starving for the rest of the month. *Most* people are smart enough to spend wisely.

 

[WillyJ]

I'm not sure I understand the question. . . or you asking about federal taxes or state taxes?


Does the federal government base what they tax on whether it's considered "essential"? I'd gasoline is pretty essential, and they sure tax the heck out of that. . . if you mean state taxes, then I'm sure each state has their own rules on what's taxed and why. . .

And yes, people can buy lobster with food stamps but not TP simply because lobster is food and TP isn't; most people who get food stamps get them as a suppliment to either what they earn (i.e. single mother with 5 kids working minimum wage job) or they are given cash (welfare) to buy essentials like TP that are not food. . .

Also, just because someone on food stamps can buy lobster with them. I seriously doubt many of them do. .

 

[BethR]

Hey sb!

Here in PA there is NO 6% state sales tax on TP. I am not certain about the tissues, but I am about the TP.

 

[smileybrat]

i talking state and/or county tax. i guess i'll just have to check next time i go shopping.

 

[WillyJ]

Got ya SB. . .

Not sure about other states, but here in Oklahoma both tissues and TP are taxed, but items considered food are not. . .

 

[fklhou]

Most states excludes necissities and groceries from their sales tax. In theory, neither TP or tissues should be taxes but it depends on their classification in your particular state.

 

[Dizzy-Disney4]

Can't help you, I live in NH... NO SALES TAX!!!