To whom it may concern:
I recently went to Wal-Mart #2853 in La Plata, MD on 01/24/09 at 10:09: 13 Transaction # 06485 to purchase two TV converter boxes with (2) $40 government coupons that I had received. I read some reviews online about which converter boxes where better than others. The RCA DTA800 was ranked as one of the best; I went online in search of them as I make most of my purchases online. I found out that everyone was sold out; but I did discover that Wal-Mart was carrying them in their stores. So went to Wal-Mart to make my purchase. I find them in the store and go to the checkout.
The converter boxes were:
Converter box $49.87 each *2 (boxes) = $99.74 6% sales tax ($5.99) = $105.73 (2) * $40 coupons = $25.73 is what I was charged. Now the problem with this is I just paid tax on my (2) $40 coupons, now the correct way or the way it should have been done is with coupons you deduct the coupon amount subtotal recalculate the tax and get a new total which should have been $20.92 ($49.87 each *2 = $99.74 6% sales tax ($5.99) = $105.73 (2) * $40 coupons = $25.73 (removing the first sales tax amount due to subtract of coupons $5.99)= $19.74 6% sales tax ($1.18) = $20.92; Wal-Mart's way cost me an additional, $4.81 ($25.73 - $20.92).
However, Wal-Mart's calculations were incorrect, I brought it to the attention of the store manager (Steve Teeter) and he said that this is the way they perform this transaction which makes me pay taxes on government coupons. I explained to him that this coupon is just like a using a coupon in a grocery store and I shouldn't be paying taxes on it but to no avail; which is why I'm writing this letter. I also explained to him that I have gone to other stores and they took off the coupons before even applying taxes and Wal-Mart was the only ones doing this type of shady business practice.
Now I'm willing to accept that is a programming error as I have been a programmer myself. But Wal-Mart needs to admit it and I want back the additional tax money I paid in cash or check plus some money for my time and efforts in bring it to your attention as this has been very unpleasant experience. Also Walmart needs to refund everyone else that probably didn't realize they were being ripped off also.
Imagine how much money Wal-Mart has made for every person that has purchased two converter boxes and paid an average of $5 extra in sales tax our state will never see.
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