On diapers, sweets and the Internet: the strangest taxes in the US

It's probably not surprising that a country with such a colorful and varied history as the United States can have some crazy taxes. From belt buckles to a deer carcass, there are many oddities that will increase your tax bill. Writes about this MSN.

Photo: Shutterstock

Alabama: Confederate Veterans

The Civil War ended in 1865, but it is still a part of Alabama life, if only in the form of taxes. Alabamans are required to pay a tax on Confederate veterans, although the last survivors of this war died decades ago. In the past, taxes went to the management of the Confederate Hospital of Alabama, but it was closed 80 years ago, so instead the funds go to the maintenance of the Confederate Memorial Park in Mountain Creek. The tax reportedly brings in $ 400 a year, so it should come as no surprise that the park is one of the most well-maintained public facilities in the state.

Alaska: deduction for whalers

Alaskan whaling boat captains have the right to write off taxes and taxes up to $ 10 per year on boat repairs or other whaling expenses. The only downside to this generous offer is that there has been no whaling in Alaska since the 000s, and in 1920 it was declared illegal worldwide.

Arizona: Ice Elimination

Temperatures in Arizona often rise above 100 ° F (31,7 Celsius). Fortunately, ice cubes are exempt from sales tax if they are intended for use in drinks. However, large blocks of ice that are difficult to use in drinks are taxed, so cooling your living room the old-fashioned way (with an ice block and a fan) is definitely out of the question.

Arkansas Tattoos

Arkansas residents who are fans of tattoos and piercings may want to leave the state to get body art done. That's because Bill Clinton's home state levies a 6% tax on body art. This category even includes electrolysis, which seriously complicates life in the state.

California: Fruit Vending Machine

California is well known for its fruit industry and you can buy an apple or orange at any grocery store in the state without having to pay sales tax. But if you buy this fruit from the vending machine, be prepared to spend more. The Golden State levies a 33% tax on fruit purchased from vending machines.

Colorado Coffee Cup Lids

When picking up coffee in Colorado, you may notice an additional charge on your bill. This is because coffee cup lids are considered “optional packaging” in Colorado, and are subject to a 2,9% tax.

Connecticut diaper exemption

The average American child uses 3 diapers before full potty training. But fortunately, parents in Connecticut, who used to pay an additional 796% sales tax on both disposable and reusable diapers, will be relieved to find that these items are tax-free since July 6,35.

Delaware: corporations

Delaware is home to more than half of American companies, and it's not because Delawareans are more entrepreneurial than the rest of the country. That's because the state has one of the lowest corporate tax rates at 8,7%.

District of Columbia: Healthy Living

If you are trying to live a healthy lifestyle in the US capital, you can get a bill from your local government. While it has passed a controversial sugar tax (5,75%) in an effort to stem the spread of obesity, it also taxes gyms at the same rate.

On the subject: Strange laws on alcohol in the United States, which surprised the Russian-speaking immigrant

Florida: cow rental

Developers in Florida are known to be taking advantage of a tax loophole designed to protect farmland. The so-called green belt law taxes agricultural land at an exceptionally low rate to protect it. Developers or large corporations are known to rent cows and fencing them in some remote corner of the property to benefit from a lower tax rate. The law dates from 1959 when orange groves were destroyed to make way for shopping centers, but there is no reasonable explanation as to why it is still in effect today.

Georgia: cigars

If you are a fan of Cuban cigars, it is best to buy them outside of Georgia. The state levies a 23% tax on the sale of cigars, although regular cigarettes are sold with only a 10% tax.

Hawaii: Unique Trees

Hawaii prides itself on its lush landscape and natural beauty. Therefore, it should come as no surprise that the state has passed several laws to protect natural beauty. This is why Hawaiian homeowners who own one of the "unique trees" are entitled to a tax deduction of up to $ 3 per tree for any maintenance costs. A qualified local forestry consultant must validate the uniqueness of the tree before you can receive deductions.

Idaho: "cloud services"

Although the cloud is by definition an intangible asset, Idaho has tried to tax it. Until 2014, any downloads of cloud software or downloadable entertainment were subject to tax. Now only e-books and downloadable movies and music are taxed, and that's only if they include a permanent reproduction license, so streaming services are exempt.

Illinois Candy

Sweet tooths may have to be a little more selective when it comes to shopping for sweet treats in Illinois. This is because some types of candy may be subject to an additional sales tax of 6,25%. However, any “candy” that contains flour on the ingredient list and does not need refrigeration, such as Twix, is exempt from this tax and will be charged a 1% tax instead. But candies that do not contain flour and are stored in the refrigerator are taxed at a higher rate. The state also taxes soft drinks and brewed teas and coffees at a 6,25% rate as they are for immediate consumption.

Indiana: exceptions for sweet snacks

Do you like sweet snacks? These time bombs for teeth are not taxed in Indiana. Cakes and pastries, marshmallows (but not marshmallows), as well as chips and pretzels, are also not taxed.

Iowa: Marijuana

Recreational marijuana is illegal in Iowa. However, the state requires anyone who sells seven grams of the product or the whole plant to affix a tax stamp to the product and pay the fee. Medical marijuana is legal in the state.

Kansas: hot air balloons, but not always

Kansas has become a bit of a hotspot for balloons, and this is not due to its picturesque landscape or the enterprising locals. This is because Kansas taxes “any place providing entertainment, entertainment or leisure services,” including balloons, but this law is contrary to federal law that prohibits state governments from levying fees on airlines or air carriers. This means that Kansas had to create a tax exemption for balloons when they are not tied to the ground (and therefore fly somewhere), because they qualify as an air carrier, but if they are tied to the ground, they are classified as entertainment and taxed tax free.

Kentucky: horses

Kentucky is an agricultural state, and agribusiness is a major employer in the area. The horse industry is huge and contributes billions to the state's economy through racing, sales, tourism and breeding. Much of this revenue comes from the 6% tax that the state of Kentucky levies on businesses that raise thoroughbred stallions.

Louisiana: a paradise for private jet owners

Aviation enthusiasts may find that Louisiana is something of a haven for this type of hobby. Not only personal aircraft, but also their painting and decoration are not subject to additional tax. The catch is that to qualify for the tax exemption, it must be a full paint job, not just painting over spots. So if you're looking to paint your private jet leopard print, you're in luck.

Maine: Wild Blueberries

In recent years, the popularity of blueberries has increased. Maine produces 99% of the country's wild blueberries. The people of the state love these small berries so much that they have become the official symbol of the region. Therefore, it is not surprising that they are taxed. The state charges 1,5 cents per pound of wild, unprocessed blueberries sold in Maine. The funds go to research to develop and preserve the wild blueberry industry.

Maryland: flushing the toilet

Since 2004, Maryland residents have been paying a weird tax. They are charged an annual fee of $ 30 for wastewater treatment. The so-called flush tax brings in $ 60 million to $ 70 million a year to modernize the state's major treatment facilities with the specific goal of reducing the discharge of pollutants into the Chesapeake Bay and other important waterways.

Massachusetts: Fun

It's perhaps a little surprising that modern Massachusetts residents have come to terms with the fun tax. The state collects a 5% tax on “any water or land-based tourism facility” operating in the state.

Michigan Takeaway Foods

Many of us resort to takeaway after a long day at work, although cooking at home can be healthier. Cooking can also be actually cheaper in Michigan, as the state levies a sales tax on any “finished” goods or pre-packaged food.

Minnesota: Fur

Winters in Minnesota can be cold and the locals often need fur. If the garment consists mainly of fur, an additional 6,5% tax will be charged. Fur cuffs and coat collars are tax deductible.

On the subject: Britney Spears forehead, city and chewing gum: the strangest auction items

Mississippi cow exception

About 400 cattle are raised, slaughtered, and sold in the Mississippi every year. The local government is losing money by exempting any sale of livestock from taxes.

Missouri: Bachelors

In Missouri, single men face an additional charge: any single man between the ages of 21 and 50 must pay an annual tax of $ 1. The law was passed in 1820, allegedly to encourage more men to marry.

Montana: Medical Marijuana

Marijuana has been legal in Montana for medical purposes since 2004, but although the state offers tax benefits for other medical expenses, such as insulin, this does not apply to marijuana. Even patients with a valid medical marijuana card must pay tax when buying or growing cannabis. The state received $ 1,8 million from tax for the first 13 actions of the law, which was introduced in July 2017. Currently, the tax rate is 4%.

Nebraska: illegal marijuana

Just to be clear: marijuana is illegal in Nebraska. What makes this specific tax law completely incomprehensible: dealers must pay a marijuana tax of $ 100 per ounce of marijuana (approximately $ 250 on the black market) or any other narcotic substances, immediately after taking possession of these substances. Not surprisingly, experts concluded that in practice this tax is difficult to secure.

Nevada: loud music

Nevada is home to Las Vegas, but, oddly enough, businesses in the state are taxed at 5% and 10% on tickets, food, drinks and any goods they sell. There is one important caveat: entertainment should be loud. Bars with an inconspicuous pianist in the corner are exempt from tax. But knowing what Vegas is famous for, Nevada probably earns on tax revenues.

New Hampshire: Real Estate

Lucky New Hampshire people do not have to pay income tax or sales tax, which is very unusual. However, even small states need money to continue to work, so the state charges really high property taxes, which are currently the third largest in the country. It just proves that nothing in life is certain other than taxes, even if you thought you avoided them by moving to New Hampshire.

New Jersey: Pumpkins

More than 40% of all Americans will cut at least one Halloween pumpkin. But since many see this seasonal tradition as nothing more than entertainment, New Jersey state officials thought it should be taxed. Officials considered that although pumpkins can be considered food, they really are home decoration and should be taxed on sales. If you can prove that your pumpkin is for food and not for decoration, you can get it without tax.

New Mexico: Old Age

Many of us have long, healthy lives, but New Mexico has one more reason to stay alive as long as possible: tax breaks. Residents of over 100 years old are exempt from having to file income tax, regardless of whether they have income or not.

New York: Sliced ​​Bagels

New Yorkers are notorious for eating a good bagel for breakfast on the way to work, but if they knew how much taxes they pay for it, they would probably switch to cereal. Any bagel that has been sliced, fried, covered with filling, or filled in any way is subject to sales tax of 8,8%. But there is a tax loophole: if the bagel is intact, you do not need to pay a fee.

North Carolina: Pets

North Carolina residents loving cats and dogs have been taxed on pets since 2009. They are considered personal property and are therefore taxed. A cat or dog that has not been sterilized costs the owner $ 75 each year, and a sterilized puppy is charged only $ 10.

North Dakota: Oil Benefits

An oil boom began in North Dakota in 2006, and energy companies rushed to get oil there. The state decided to capitalize on drilling madness with a 5% tax on the gross cost of all oil produced at a well in North Dakota.

Ohio: human hair

The state does not tax human organs, bones, blood, or other parts if those parts are for transfusion or transplantation. However, the usual sales tax applies to human hair and any parts of animals for transplantation and implantation.

Oklahoma: furniture

Property tax is common, and most states charge a fee on your home or apartment. But Oklahoma takes it one step further and taxes any personal items, even those that do not generate income or increase in price, such as furniture. This tangible property tax applies to everything you actually have, other than agricultural land.

Oregon: Cannabis

Oregon is one of the few states that have legalized recreational or medical use of marijuana. But Oregon introduced a 17% cannabis sales tax, with municipalities being given the opportunity to add an additional 3%. If the tax was a deterrent, it did not work. Oregon tax revenues for marijuana in 2019 reached $ 102 million, which is 24,2% higher than taxes collected a year earlier.

Pennsylvania: air

When it comes to taxes, Pennsylvania can take the lead. This is because it taxes the air. Everything that comes out of a compressed air vending machine or vacuum cleaner is tax deductible.

Rhode Island: sex

In 1971, Rhode Island tried to tax any sexual acts committed within national borders. Democratic lawmaker Bernard Gladstone, although it would be nice to set a tax of $ 2 per act to raise more money for the state. Nevertheless, the tax was voluntary, never made money, and offenders were never prosecuted for evasion.

South Carolina: Deer

In South Carolina, charity can lead to tax cuts. Each deer carcass made by a licensed meat packer, butcher or processing plant donated to charity gives a $ 50 discount. A “donation” will be used to feed the hungry, but only deer carcasses are eligible for benefits.

On the subject: These weird Russians: 10 'our' habits that surprise foreigners

South Dakota: Firefighters

Volunteer firefighters and ambulances made a pretty lucrative tax deal in South Dakota: they don’t have to pay tax anywhere in the state. Since South Dakota is one of seven states that do not have income taxes, benefits for volunteers make them as close to life without taxes (and within the law) as possible.

Tennessee: lawsuit

If the lawsuit was not traumatic enough, Tennessee decided to add an additional restriction: $ 25 from residents involved in criminal and civil litigation.

Texas: belt buckle

Cowboy fashion is widespread in Texas, so it comes as no surprise that cowboy boots are tax-free, as are belts. The belt buckles, however, are not. And what is a cowboy belt without a buckle? If you want to buy Monty Montana in full, you will have to pay an additional sales tax for this product.

Utah: Adult Entertainment

This Utah law originally targeted all forms of entertainment: strip clubs, half-naked strip clubs, and escort services, as well as all food, drinks, and merchandise sold at these specific establishments. After much debate, the state was forced to retreat, and now half-naked strip clubs and escort services are no longer taxed.

Vermont Street Musicians

Wizards, mimes and other street performers may not be high-income people, but this does not stop the Vermont government from reserving the right to levy additional taxes on them.

Virginia: Sheep

Just as the inhabitants of Maine are proud of their blueberries, so are the Virginians proud of their sheep. But unlike the thriving Wild Blueberry market in Maine, Virginia seems to be modestly trading in sheep. But this does not stop local governments from levying a tax of 50 cents on each sheep sold in the state. Sheep tax collects only about $ 8000 a year.

Washington: electric and hybrid cars

Many drivers of electric cars and hybrid cars are attracted by their eco-friendly powers and the fact that they are easier to drive than a gasoline-powered vehicle. Well, not in the state of Washington, where any driver of an electric car or a hybrid car must pay an annual fee of $ 150 for the repair of roads and road systems, as well as another $ 75.

West Virginia: Sparklers

Celebrating the Fourth of July in West Virginia may seem a little strange, since fireworks are completely prohibited in the state. Sparklers, however, are allowed - although they come with an additional tax. Sellers of sparklers and other novelty items that produce sparks or noise must pay an additional fee on top of the 6% sales tax.

Wisconsin: Internet

Until July 1 of this year, Internet lovers tried not to visit Wisconsin, as this was the only state taxing Internet access. How much each house paid was dependent on what type of connection they had, with dial-up access being cheaper than broadband access, but now residents can travel without worrying about their tax bill.

Wyoming: an exception for mint

The state of Wyoming classifies candy mints and gum as food, so they are not subject to sales tax.

Read also on ForumDaily:

'Lemon Law': An incredibly useful rule in the US that many immigrants do not know about

13 places that doctors do not recommend visiting during a pandemic

Thousands of deaths: quarantine exacerbated the US opioid crisis

How masks and respirators affect immunity and oxygen levels in the blood

Masks or screens for the face: which protects against coronavirus more effectively

Own power and laws: how Indians live in the USA

Catch me if you can: the biggest scam in history

Do you want more important and interesting news about life in the USA and immigration to America? — support us donate! Also subscribe to our page Facebook. Select the “Priority in display” option and read us first. Also, don't forget to subscribe to our РєР ° РЅР ° Р »РІ Telegram  and Instagram- there is a lot of interesting things there. And join thousands of readers ForumDaily New York — there you will find a lot of interesting and positive information about life in the metropolis.