posted on October 5, 2000 07:21:03 PM
I collect sales tax on all items shipped to my state - Florida. I make it clear in my auctions and in my contact with customers that it's the law. I never "eat" the tax because ... ok, I'm no lawyer, but it's my guess it might be illegal. The sales tax is to be paid by the PURCHASER and even on items with rebates you MUST charge sales tax on the pre-rebate price.
Look, let's face it. People who purchase on Ebay get a great deal for the most part. If they don't want to pay the sales tax, tell them not to bid. By living in the same state their shipping is also expedited - people get their items in 1-2 days. Any returns are easy.
I guess I'm tired of people who are always attempting to nickle and dime everyone to death and asking you to end an auction early because they're too cheap to make a bid.
posted on October 5, 2000 07:51:19 PM
Don't you folks down there have the furniture dealers and car dealers advertising on TV - "We pay your sales tax." - ??? Common here in MI.
posted on October 5, 2000 07:56:43 PM
I don't believe the state is going to complain as long as SOMEONE pays the tax. Of course it's the seller who is ultimately responsible for filing and sending the check to the state. But I doubt if they even care where the funds come from.
posted on October 5, 2000 08:02:30 PM
Generally speaking, when a merchant (say, a car dealer) says they'll pay the tax it amounts to this (as an example):
Item is $108.20 cost
Tax rate is, say 8.2%
When the item is reported on sales tax report, it's reported as a sale of $100, the $8.20 is the tax.
On the Washington State form, there's a place to adjust for merchandise that's sold with "tax included."
I, too, am greatly aggravated by nickle-and-dimers. They pay the tax or don't get their merchandise.
Besides, we need better schools and more teachers and more cops and fewer potholes and.....................
