Don't Mess With Taxes

A Pennsylvania woman is suing Kmart over a 12-pack of Angel Soft toilet tissue that cost her $3.99.

The shelf price isn't the problem. Rather, says Mary Bach, the Kmart store where she purchased the TP improperly collected 7 percent sales tax on what is a non-taxable item.

Her final register tally: $4.27 -- or 28 cents too much.

So Bach is taking her case to court. A hearing is set for Oct. 31, at which she'll be asking for $100 in damages, plus court costs, for violation of Pennsylvania's Unfair Trade Practices and Consumer Protection Law.

It's not just the pocket change that's prompting Bach to battle the national chain. It's the principle.

"If a major national retailer makes this kind of error and overcharges one customer 28 cents, that literally could add up to hundreds of thousands of dollars" if repeated in stores across the state, she told the Pittsburgh Post-Gazette.

You can read the rest of the story, including info on Bach's other consumer complaints that have led to previous lawsuits, in this PP-G article.

And thanks to The Consumerist for tipping us to this tax dustup. Be sure to check out his post on the topic; if you've ever been owned by a cat, you'll enjoy the picture!