so, i signed up for .Mac...
when it came out, i really didn't think i would. and honestly, i am still not sure it'll be worth it. but hell, i spend tons of money every year on less worthwhile causes, so maybe it'll work out okay by this time next year.
one thing that bugs me... they charged tax on it. so it isn't really US$49.95, but US$58.44. i guess i am ignorant on these sorts of matters, but how can you charge taxes on aninternet purchase that isn't even a physical, tangible commodity? isn't this more like an online membership?
i'm not complaining... it's not that much. it just caught my eye (and i didn't notice any footnotes about tax being applied when i signed up... only "at the cashier," so to speak).
guess i should go get those kodak prints now.
[ 09-21-2002: Message edited by: rok ]</p>
one thing that bugs me... they charged tax on it. so it isn't really US$49.95, but US$58.44. i guess i am ignorant on these sorts of matters, but how can you charge taxes on aninternet purchase that isn't even a physical, tangible commodity? isn't this more like an online membership?
i'm not complaining... it's not that much. it just caught my eye (and i didn't notice any footnotes about tax being applied when i signed up... only "at the cashier," so to speak).
guess i should go get those kodak prints now.
[ 09-21-2002: Message edited by: rok ]</p>
Comments
When you buy a loaf of bread or a pair of shoes or a CD in a store, is the price marked with an asterisk or footnote saying it doesn't include tax? No! The tax is added when you add everything up at the cashier.
What about services? They aren't tangible objects. A cable TV subscription isn't tangible. A cellular phone coverage isn't tangible. A membership to a gym isn't tangible. At least, these services aren't any more tangible than a subscription to an online service like .Mac.
When you buy things over the Internet, in some states you don't have to pay the tax at the time of purchase. However, you are still legally obliged to note the purchase when you file your taxes and pay the tax then. If you don't do this, you could be a prime candidate for an audit. California, however, is one of the states that requires the tax upfront. Either way, you're still supposed to pay the tax.
apple did not, however, call very much attention to the fact that it would be added... only AFTER the sale had rung through. usually you get a subtotal before pruchase.
and no, no one FORCED me to hit the submit button to purchase the service. maybe i should have been more alert. hell, it's been a long week for yours truly (clients are INSANE!).
i'll just keep it in mind for future reference. that's all i am saying.
<strong>
When you buy things over the Internet, in some states you don't have to pay the tax at the time of purchase. However, you are still legally obliged to note the purchase when you file your taxes and pay the tax then. If you don't do this, you could be a prime candidate for an audit. California, however, is one of the states that requires the tax upfront. Either way, you're still supposed to pay the tax.</strong><hr></blockquote>
But does anyone actually do that?
[ 09-20-2002: Message edited by: Eugene ]</p>
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one thing that bugs me... they charged tax on it. so it isn't really US$49.95, but US$58.84
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How did you only pay $49.95?? I would much rather pay that yearly than the $100 they want
How did you only pay $49.95?? I would much rather pay that yearly than the $100 they want
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It means he already had an iTools account when he paid for .Mac, so he got a $50 discount off the first year.
Guess I have to wait for my bank statement...
Now that Apple has retail stores, they must collect sales tax in each state where they have an open store. However, I am still perplexed that Apple is taxing .Mac which is a service.