McDonald's Restaurants Take-out tax ripoff: "Thank You for Visiting" Bloomington, Minnesota
A bustling, 24-hour McDonald's restaurant in middle of parking lot at shopping center with two drive through lanes, is charging "take out tax" on drive through items.
As I was desperately awaiting my overpriced classic grilled chicken sandwich ($4.19)and medium shake (2.59), the drive-through attendant quoted me a different total price than what the drive-through sign had totalled. And, then some.
Turns out that a $.49 cent "take out tax" had been tacked on to my order, for a grad total of $7.27 for a healthy sandwich and seasonal shake. I was too tired and hungry to fight the total on the spot, although I did question why it was so high.
The local news station which does investigative reporting will be notified. Nowhere can I find reference to a local city, county, or state tax on drive-through food. Food is generally exempt from state and local sales taxes in Minnesota. I wonder who McDonald's is collecting this tax for, then?
4 Updates & Rebuttals
Leann
Springfield,Illinois,
U.S.A.
Healthy, are you kidding me?
#5Consumer Suggestion
Wed, March 17, 2010
First of all, how can you possibly claim a sandwhich is healthy at ANY fast food restaurant?
Second of all, have you never heard of sales tax?
Third of all, the local news station is going to laugh at you hysterically (I know I am) because you have no idea what tax is.
Have a great day.
Amazed
Houston,Texas,
United States of America
Restaraunt food is taxable
#5Consumer Comment
Tue, March 16, 2010
Just a FYI, food at grocery stores is not taxable however food at all restaraunts whether it is a sit down or take out is taxable because they are also providing a service.
Edgeman
Chico,California,
U.S.A.
Sales tax?
#5Consumer Comment
Tue, March 16, 2010
According to the state of Minnesota, McDonald's was acting correctly when they charged you a sales tax.
http://www.taxes.state.mn.us/sales/publications/fact_sheets_by_name/content/BAT_1100131.pdf
Your city may or may not impose an additional tax on fast food purchases but the state code is pretty clear.
Robert
Irvine,California,
U.S.A.
Sales Tax...
#5Consumer Comment
Tue, March 16, 2010
That $0.49 comes out to about 7.25%.
As for "food" getting excluded. Food that you need to prepare(such as from a Grocery Store) is often exempt from Sales Tax, but if it is prepared(such as a resturant or fast food place) Sales Tax must be charged. If you look at the link below it explains what and what is not taxable for food items.
http://www.taxes.state.mn.us/sales/publications/fact_sheets_by_name/content/BAT_1100097.pdf
The exemption for food and food ingredients does not include candy, soft drinks, food sold through vending machines, prepared foods, alcoholic beverages, dietary supplements, and tobacco.
Since fast food is usually considred "prepared food", that is most likely why tax is being charged. I can just about guarantee you that McDonalds is not charging you tax just for the heck of it, or to try and "pocket" any extra money. If you have a problem with the Sales Tax then talk to your State Representatives.
Or if you really want to complain come on out to CA where the tax can be anywhere from wonderful 8.75% to a stupendous 9.25%(or more).