I live in the Texarkana area. Two cities split by a state line. two local governments, two Fire Depts, two PDs. I went lo lunch today at a place in Arkansas, I noticed that the tax on my meal was 12%. On the Texas side, it's only 8.25%. I don't know if these are local or state rates, but 12% seems too darned high for any tax on anything, to me. Is this high? What are your local dining tax rates?

__________________
Wayne
Torn & Frayed

In Texas the max is 8.25%, 6.25% to the state, with an additional 2% that can be a mix of city, county, transit authority, or special purpose district taxes. I think 8.25% is high and 12% is ridiculous. If I lived in Texarkana I'd buy things in TX.

Also be aware that groceries are not taxed in TX, but prepared meals are. The definition of groceries is basically items which are eligible to use food stamps for purchase. Sugar is tax free, tea bags are tax free, bottled sweetened tea and Twinkies are taxable.

In Arkansas, groceries are taxed, too.

__________________
Wayne
Torn & Frayed

Sales tax in Arkansas varies widely, depending on the exact location, from a low of 6.5% to a high of 12%

Arkansas (AR) Sales Tax Rates by City (A)

7% sales tax in NJ except in economically depressed areas where it can be 3.5%.

__________________
Back to back World War Champs.

They started that here a few years back-- was supposed to be to gig the tourists with, but of course we get stuck year round with it-- we just don't eat out hardly at all. It has became quite the rage around here. No that they have got just about all to quit smoking they are looking for other ways to raise money--

Could be this:
Restaurants charging Obamacare fee - Feb. 27, 2014

__________________
KICK BRASS!

I wouldnt be surprised. after all, they have to find a way to make sure that healthcare atrocity gets funded since allegedly--not enough duped into joining it.

I guess you'll be pretty unhappy to hear about the 11% Federal tax on guns and ammo, then, too.

__________________
Certified AR-15 / SIG Armorer.

If you hunt or fish,at least you get some benefit from it. Can't say that about most of 'em.
f.t.

__________________
South Carolina-God's country

May I suggest that you never visit Europe, it would be bad for your blood pressure. However, so called "truth in pricing" legislation means that the tax is almost never shown separately. Think about it...

Before the ACA (affordable care act) wife and I were paying $2400/month for health insurance (no dental or eye). Wife had prior breast cancer and had to be in a risk pool . Fortunately since then she became eligible for medicare but wouldn't have been able to get standard rate supplement. I am self employed and not old enough for medicare. I now pay $217/month for a better plan than I had before and $265/month for an Aflac type policy that provides dental and eye and out of pocket cash for both wife and I.

Maybe I'm the one in a hundred but I'm happy. I try not to judge people or issues based on political affiliations, our state has two senators one from each major party I have voted for each of them. I don't believe in Red vs Blue; around here its Red vs Green based on what tractor is in your shed.

JMHO

Jim in Iowa

bgrone, the taxpayers are covering the rest of the costs. Nothing the government does is cheap.
Butch

Maybe you can get Humana? my premium is the gold plus plan--pretty darned good too-and I pay $96.00. Ill still disagree with being Forced into buying something I did not want or need.

Amen. Also, some others could have done enough research and found something better that that monstrocity--I did.

No sales tax in MT, it is made up for in many other ways. There are some exceptions, a city can vote for a local sales tax exemption. Red Lodge and West Yellowstone are the only two I know of so far.

__________________
Front sight and squeeze

I don't understand.....

150 years plus ago, the Native Americans lived free in the country. The could move about freely, hunt and fish for free. Food free. Trade for free. They had a medicine man for their healthcare, free...A chief who ran things. And for the most part lived just fine without taxes.

Now it seems, if it exists, it's taxed.

Today, White man think changing their way to tell time, makes more time to hunt and fish. Grass grow more fast, because more time for sun.

No restaurant then. Share food.. No tax.

White man not too smart...


WuzFuzz

We have tried Humana in past with mixed results. I don't like to be forced to do anything either. I was just reporting my experience just as I would if some one had a negative opinion of a particular gun that I had good luck with. No one system works for everyone. One thing I like about this forum and our nation is that people who disagree on various issues can still enjoy one another's company while discussing hobbies or activities they have in common. It would be pretty boring if we all agreed on everything, I sure as h*** would not want to spend all my time with a clone of me (wife says:" why not I have to!")

My wife did all the research for our coverages, my policy is actually with Coventry, I leave this to her as she has much experience as a health care administrator and RN.

In closing thanks for your reply and rebuttal .

Jim in Iowa

Many countries don't have income taxes. We in the U.S. do have state and federal income taxes and we are still bilked whenever we buy, and sometimes sell, anything.

Income taxes in England are very high compared to ours. I'm not sure if they collect extra taxes for alcohol, cigarettes, car tires, gasoline, etc. like we do.

Update: I just looked it up and England has stiff taxes on 'luxuries' but necessities like children's clothing are exempt.