Tax on FREE items?

[couponmommyof3]

Ok, so I went into Winn-Dixie today. I was sent a coupon for FREE Diapers and FREE wipes. They wanted .16 cents. I am pretty sure on a FREE item you don't have to pay tax? Am I wrong? I told them I wasn't paying .16 cents and they let me get the items anyway.

[CW&M Mom]

It's up to your state. some states tax post coupon...some pre coupon.

If your state taxes pre coupon...you will have to pay tax on the free item. If you only paid .16 cents...it doesn't sound like you have much of a tax....

[angel428]

In my state if the item is $10 with a free coupon up to $10.
I would still have to pay tax on the $10. My state charges tax before coupon.
HTH

[jdymitc]

I just looked at several coupons that I have both frees and just discount amounts and most of them say something like "customer must pay sales tax" or "you pay any sales tax." Therefore I would assume that I would be paying sales tax on anything my state normally charges sales tax for in the precoupon amount.

[couponmommyof3]

It's just weird and confusing. I went to Bath and Body Works this past weekend to get my FREE candle. I asked her if there would be tax and she told me it is illegal to charge tax on a free item. Oh well. Thanks everyone.

[CSchunk]

You cannot be taxed on the amount taken off by a store coupon. That is why the BBW candle could not legally be taxed.

[CW&M Mom]

You cannot be taxed on the amount taken off by a store coupon. That is why the BBW candle could not legally be taxed.

That's what I was thinking..as my DH has gotten the free stuff with a coupon from Harbor Freight...but it is a HF coupon. Where as I get free huggies coupons...if I use them in Kansas...I still pay tax.

I use them in Missouri though...I get them free I love Missouri taxes...or lack there of.

[couponmommyof3]

I'm still confused. It was a Winn Dixie coupon for the FREE items.

Just moved here to Florida and finally figured out it sales tax. There is no sales tax on items that are considered items to make a meal, so for example a hot dog in the package, BUT if it was a pre-made hot dog at a convenience store then there would be tax on that. Funny.

[CW&M Mom]

ahhhhhh I have no idea then. you have an 8% sales tax. So that doesn't really make sense how it would be 16 cents

[isis]

Was there a max value on the Free coupons? What does your receipt say?