Anyone who really knows me knows how much I love poppyseed bagels from Einstein Brothers - I consider those round things, with a schmear of lite Strawberry cream cheese, to be a bit of heaven on earth. So my interest was peaked when I heard of this story from New York (the home of all things bagel and onetime home of Bob) about how bagels are now being taxed. Here is a Wall Street Journal clip on the subject:In New York, the sale of whole bagels isn't subject to sales tax. But the tax does apply to "sliced or prepared bagels (with cream cheese or other toppings)," according to the state Department of Taxation and Finance. And if the bagel is eaten in the store, even if it's never been touched by a knife, it's also taxed. ... One source of confusion is that the rule isn't spelled out in the tax code. And while sliced bagels are subject to sales tax, a sliced loaf of bread at a bakery isn't, according to tax officials.Is this a crazy story or what? Speaks to the litigious nature of our governments. When I read stuff like this I am reminded that most politicians are lawyers. This part of the law certainly seems to support the lawyers full employment act.
Mostly this would not affect me too much these days as I generally pick up bagels and eat them at home.. and I do not get them sliced.. and Einstein Brothers do not have stores in New York.. and I live in Kansas City.
What does this story say to you about the law? And are you a lover of all things bagel?
I enjoy eating bagels and I think you're right about that tax. It seems like another way to raise money and to create something else for the lawyers to do.
ReplyDeleteI don't know if this is true anymore because I really don't pay attention. But, at one time, in Ohio, if you got food at a fast food place, they had to charge sales tax if you ate it there. But, you did not pay sales tax if you got it "to go". This sounds something like that. But, more bizarre.
ReplyDeleteLove bagels with a smear.
ReplyDeleteThe taxes sound redicilous. Any way to nickle and dime the consumer to death.
About the photo of the flat tire...
I took the pic. at the High Hand nursery which has many old relics to add to the atmosphere. So ..the tire is old, rotten and very flat.