Electronics

[sueinsf]

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@Marp wrote:

@sueinsf, your post about the taxes made me look at my order more closely and it is in line with what I would expect.  However, I clicked on the little ! and it took me to HSN where this information is posted:

HSN collects sales tax as required under federal and state law.

The sales tax amount displayed online is an estimate. The actual sales tax will be calculated when your order is completed and displayed on your order summary and packing slip.

Shipping and handling charges may be subject to sales tax.

The passage of the Internet Tax Freedom Act and similar state statutes has no effect on HSN’s obligation to collect sales and use tax. The Internet Tax Freedom Act applies only to monthly charges for internet access provided through telecommunication services.

If applicable, the following taxes have been included in your total tax amount:

•Prepaid wireless emergency 911 charge on your prepaid wireless purchase (applicable in various states)

•Police and fire protection fee on your prepaid wireless purchase (State of Wisconsin only)

•Electronic Waste Recycling Fee (State of California only)*

Several states now require fees to be collected from prepaid wireless subscribers for their statewide emergency telephone number 911 systems for wireless customers. For more information on these taxes, please contact the tax department in your state.

*California Electronic Waste Recycling Fee

•The California Electronic Waste Recycling Fee law imposes a fee on the purchase certain video display devices. The law requires HSN to collect and remit this fee to the State of California to help pay for the safe recycling of video display devices which contain hazardous materials.

•The fee varies depending on the size of the video screen on electronic devices. The fees are as follows:

(Screen size measured diagonally)

•Screens more than 4 inches and less than 15 inches - $3.00

•Screens 15 inches or more and less than 35 inches - $4.00

•Screens 35 inches or more - $5.00

Items shipped to Alabama

The simplified sellers use tax has been collected and remitted on the purchaser's behalf.

•For purchases made on hsn.com or one of our mobile apps, our simplified sellers use tax account is R009321448

•For all other purchases, our simplified sellers use tax account is R009252937

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@Marp  I'm aware that the tax that shows is an estimate and that it can be a little bit higher when it is calculated upon completion, but it is usually only very slightly higher.  I also realize that living in CA there are probably additional taxes, but that just seemed like a really high amount.  I'm going to call HSN and ask about it, although I'm not really sure a CS rep will be that knowledgeable in that area.

[Marp]

@sueinsf, I agree that regardless of which state is home for you the charge seems excessive.  Customer service might not be able to answer or will tell you to wait until you are actually charged to see if it is corrected but it wouldn't hurt to have your inquiry on record in case you have to pursue it.

I posted the information because some of it surprised me.

[sueinsf]

@Marp and anyone else who may be interested -- I spoke to a CS rep and they must have anticipated calls because there was a note for CS on the item saying that there is a 911 tax on the minutes.  I was advised to check it further with my local tax usage dept. Considering that tracfone does charge a high tax when I've been purchasing my 90 day airtime, this is probably correct.  So, the tax was likely $8 on the phone and $12 on 1350 minutes.  I have to say, I don't remember paying this much last time I got a tracfone from HSN, but that was a few years ago when perhaps those fees weren't being charged.

[x Hedge]

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@sueinsf wrote:

@Marp and anyone else who may be interested -- I spoke to a CS rep and they must have anticipated calls because there was a note for CS on the item saying that there is a 911 tax on the minutes.  I was advised to check it further with my local tax usage dept. Considering that tracfone does charge a high tax when I've been purchasing my 90 day airtime, this is probably correct.  So, the tax was likely $8 on the phone and $12 on 1350 minutes.  I have to say, I don't remember paying this much last time I got a tracfone from HSN, but that was a few years ago when perhaps those fees weren't being charged.

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@sueinsf, @Marp , I just checked my last two Trackfone purchases, both thru QVC, and the tax is in the $5. and  $7. range, normal for my state's sales tax. The most recent is just 5 months ago.

Also, I believe the phone is supposed to be the only item purchased, and the airtime and minutes bundled with the purchase are "promotional" and not subject to tax.

[Marp]

@x Hedge, good point about the minutes being promotional therefore not purchased.  I don't know if HSN CS could override the billing computer but if @sueinsf is correct in her calculations of about $12 in added taxes for the purchase of minutes it's worth a call to explain and ask.

[sueinsf]

@x Hedge @Marp  Yes, good point about the minutes being promotional, but interesting that CS was already prepared with an explanation.  It's possible that the goverment (Fed or State) still considers the value of the minutes taxable.  I still will try and check that out though.   @x Hedge  Your state may tax differently.  I suspect QVC would charge me similarly to HSN but I might ask them as well, just out of curiosity. 

My phone already shipped.  That was fast!

[Marp]

@sueinsf, while the promotional minutes idea was a good one if I am understanding this correctly CA closed that little loophole.  I found the following information about the charges.  Sorry, looks like you are stuck.  Wonder how long it will be before NC starts doing the same thing.

https://www.boe.ca.gov/industry/prepaid_mts_surcharge.html

[sueinsf]

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@Marp wrote:

@sueinsf, while the promotional minutes idea was a good one if I am understanding this correctly CA closed that little loophole.  I found the following information about the charges.  Sorry, looks like you are stuck.  Wonder how long it will be before NC starts doing the same thing.

https://www.boe.ca.gov/industry/prepaid_mts_surcharge.html

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@Marp  Can't say I am surprised... Thanks.

[Julius Seizure]

I got my phone today. Initial impressions are it's very thin and lightweight,screen has a noticible difference in color and clarity compared to my current phone. I'll get into much more heavily over the weekend and see what it's all about.

[Marp]

My phone is scheduled to be delivered tomorrow and I'm looking forward to exploring it.