Online Apple Store Tax???

[TranceClubMusic]

Why is it that ONLY the Apple Store has sales tax?? I can see if you live in California - but ALL OTHER ONLINE OUTLETS - charge NO tax - and most no shipping. Whats up with the Online Apple Store for the most part usually charges shipping AND ALWAYS CHARGES SALES TAX???

Whats up with that??

Even with my EDU Discount - I can buy less almost anywhere else because they charge no tax or shipping.

 

[joshua_msu]

Its because they have stores in most states. If you buy from Target or Wal-Mart.com, you will see the same thing. The thing I dont like is that they try and trick you into paying it. Most other retailers will give you the sales tax before you confirm the order, but Apple does not do that. They will add it onto the invoice later, after you have already confiremd the totals.

 

[Chip NoVaMac]

It doesn't matter even if there are no stores in that state. As long as Apple has what is termed "nexis", a business presence in a state (that can be an office, a rep that makes regular trips to clients in that state, and the such); they are required to collect that states sales taxes.

 

[hcuar]

Its because they have stores in most states. If you buy from Target or Wal-Mart.com, you will see the same thing. The thing I dont like is that they try and trick you into paying it. Most other retailers will give you the sales tax before you confirm the order, but Apple does not do that. They will add it onto the invoice later, after you have already confiremd the totals.

Wonder if it's because Target sells iTunes gift cards... Therefore Apple has a "store" in every state.

 

[Chip NoVaMac]

Wonder if it's because Target sells iTunes gift cards... Therefore Apple has a "store" in every state.

Nope, that is a resell item, and in most cases not count as a presence in that state.

 

[SilentPanda]

Also doesn't Apple usually have free shipping on pretty much everything over $50?

 

[yellow]

Aren't all online (U.S.) stores supposed to collect sales tax anyway? One of the big complaints by states since the blossom of internet sales was all the revenue that they were loosing.

 

[hcuar]

Aren't all online (U.S.) stores supposed to collect sales tax anyway? One of the big complaints by states since the blossom of internet sales was all the revenue that they were loosing.

There was an online tax moratorium... I think it's expired.

 

[Chip NoVaMac]

Aren't all online (U.S.) stores supposed to collect sales tax anyway? One of the big complaints by states since the blossom of internet sales was all the revenue that they were loosing.

Not to mention there are states that have sales and use taxes that one files with their state returns for items bought out of state on which sales tax was not paid at all.

 

[yellow]

Not to mention there are states that have sales and use taxes that one files with their state returns for items bought out of state on which sales tax was not paid at all.

Ah right, that too.

 

[Le Big Mac]

There was an online tax moratorium... I think it's expired.

And whether or not it has, states still have to have a nexus with the company to assess the tax (or require them to collect it). Apple, for whatever reason, has decided it will waive this requirement adn collect the tax for every state. PRobably easier than not doing so for the few states in which it doesn't have much of a connection.

 

[NusuniAdmin]

why has this issue been popping up so much lately. Jeeze.

 

[NCTRNL]

why has this issue been popping up so much lately. Jeeze.

Honestly, my problem with it was that there was NO mention of it at all in the totals or anything until AFTER you confirmed your order. I wasn't expecting the larger total so it surprised me. If it was on your "total" earlier in the order process, it wouldn't be such a shock

 

[Chip NoVaMac]

Honestly, my problem with it was that there was NO mention of it at all in the totals or anything until AFTER you confirmed your order. I wasn't expecting the larger total so it surprised me. If it was on your "total" earlier in the order process, it wouldn't be such a shock

It is disappointing that Apple can't do it when so many other online stores can.

 

[NCTRNL]

It is disappointing that Apple can't do it when so many other online stores can.

Yeah, it seems like it would be simple to do. This way you avoid the shock factor of something adding $200 to your total...

 

[jxyama]

Yeah, it seems like it would be simple to do. This way you avoid the shock factor of something adding $200 to your total...

i agree that apple doesn't explicitly show the tax until the end and that they should, but they do mention that the subtotal is an estimate and doesn't include taxes and shipping. so it's not 100% out of the blue...

 

[jxyama]

it is a bit harder to read, but it's fairly clearly stated and prominently shown right next to the subtotal. while they could be a bit more friendlier and include the estimated amount, i never understood why people are like shocked as if it's never mentioned.

 

[wdlove]

There was an online tax moratorium... I think it's expired.

I couldn't find anything definitive. The moratorium was scheduled to expire November 1, 2003. So it would appear that it was extended.

Some other Mac related sites also charge sales tax. Currently MacConnection charges sales tax in Massachusetts, not sure about what other states also apply.