Coupons and Foodstamps?

[bestcouponer]

Originally Posted by aneesha33 TampaSaver-How does the sales tax work??? Ive heard from a friend who i am trying to get into couponing that she doesnt do coupons because she has to pay tax.:shrug7:

Here in Arkansas it depends on what store u shop at for example like walmart if you use your EBT card and coupons you don't pay the tax on coupons but at kroger you have to pay the tax!

[jeanettecoupons]

I have had some problems using my EBT card with food stamps. I've had a few transactions where the system added sales tax when nothing I had was taxable. I've also had problems when I've done some fantastic sale- say getting a $100 grocery bill down to a few dollars. It seems like it messes up the system and can decline the card.

We get a fairly small amount, too, so I just pay for smaller amounts in cash so there are no problems.

[dberruecos]

Here in Kansas, it does charge you for sales tax on the use of the coupon. Which I think is ridiculous! I don't think we should have to pay tax on any food item but they'll get you where they know they can get you! But, even so, I have used (for example) $140.00 worth of coupons and I only paid about $6 something in cash. So, here, you always need to make sure you have enough cash in your pocket to cover your coupons. For me, coupons help stretch no matter if it is cash or FS.

[jesuisprecieux]

Originally Posted by jeanettecoupons I have had some problems using my EBT card with food stamps. I've had a few transactions where the system added sales tax when nothing I had was taxable. I've also had problems when I've done some fantastic sale- say getting a $100 grocery bill down to a few dollars. It seems like it messes up the system and can decline the card. We get a fairly small amount, too, so I just pay for smaller amounts in cash so there are no problems.

The added sales tax problems you had .... were those at Albertsons? I ALWAYS have problems at Albertsons. It's the OYNO coupons that cause the added tax. They've given me every excuse in the book ... they've even tried to tell me that canned fruit, milk and OJ are taxed I've contacted Albies about it and they're looking into it. They are well aware that they're wrongly taxing people on non-taxable items. Some of the cashiers know about this and will just wipe out whatever tax it adds on after you pay using your ebt card.
I've also contacted the Dept of Revenue. I recieved an emailed from them a while back stating that in Washington state sales tax can be applied to the pre coupon price of taxable items only. Food items (with exception of soda) and coupons CANNOT be taxed!! They're also looking into it ... not going to hold my breath though.

[cpaige]

In NJ...no tax. I was able to stretch that little bit of money out for the entire month and then some b/c of all of the coupons!! Also, they say (at least in NJ) that your not supposed to be able to get any money back....HOWEVER, with the overage and the reusable bags, I always got money back. Shop smart, shop sales and USE THOSE COUPONS!!!

[jeanettecoupons]

Originally Posted by jesuisprecieux The added sales tax problems you had .... were those at Albertsons? I ALWAYS have problems at Albertsons. It's the OYNO coupons that cause the added tax. They've given me every excuse in the book ... they've even tried to tell me that canned fruit, milk and OJ are taxed I've contacted Albies about it and they're looking into it. They are well aware that they're wrongly taxing people on non-taxable items. Some of the cashiers know about this and will just wipe out whatever tax it adds on after you pay using your ebt card. I've also contacted the Dept of Revenue. I recieved an emailed from them a while back stating that in Washington state sales tax can be applied to the pre coupon price of taxable items only. Food items (with exception of soda) and coupons CANNOT be taxed!! They're also looking into it ... not going to hold my breath though.

Yep- its Albertsons. My favorite checker, anywhere/anytime, just says "that's crazy." She takes it off for me. Still, to keep from having to deal with this I usually just pay cash for me crazier transactions.

[434Teresa]

I have a friend that gets food stamps and she uses coupons...she says that if you scan all your non food and food items together all the coupons will come off of the food items you pay for with the ebt card so she pays for food and non food items on different oders... she has says that she dont pay taxes on the food items even tho she uses coupons and the ebt card to pay..

[cjh]

I live in NM and have had no problems at Smiths,Lowes,Walmart and commisary. I live with my brother who is in military so when we go together to shop i save a lot. Hopes this helps

[ShersShare]

I think it's a crack in the system if you ask me. I know when we were using them, EVERY single place we shopped (including Walmart here in TN) you had to pay taxes on the coupon total.

I can understand that it's because that portion of your purchase is not being paid for by food stamps, but rather in the sense that the product manufacturer is paying for it with cash reimbursement in the long run.

My issue is that when people use coupons with food stamps, they are making everyone's tax dollars go a LOT further and should be commended and not penalized.

I wish Congress could see it that way, that taxes on coupons used for purchasing groceries should be forgiven, but well ... that would be too easy I guess. :)

[Shellyann36]

A few months back I was on foodstamps after losing my job and here in NC we did not have to pay taxes on the coupons! Believe me I always used plenty of coupons when I went shopping too! Now about ten years ago when my kids were young and I was on foodstamps back then I did have to pay tax on the coupons I used. I don't know if they just decided to change the rules or what? I hope you find your answer. I would just keep some change handy just in case that they do charge you for the tax amount of the price. Back in the day the most I ever had to pay was like $3.00 for my coupons.