City of Williamstown - Sales Tax (Parkersburg, Vienna: to buy, food, areas)

[bcr229]

Just got a notice from the WV State Tax Dep't Taxpayer Services Division today that the City of Williamstown has passed its own sales tax of 1%. It goes into effect on 10/1/2011.

It sure didn't take long for the first locality to pass its own tax after the state gave them that power. Considering how strapped some areas are for cash, I expect more will follow.

[pknopp]

Another reason to buy any food puchases across the river in Mtta. This is a tax on food also. IMO it's immoral to tax food.

[bcr229]

The food tax will decrease from 3% to 2% on 01/01/2012. IIRC the plan is to eventually phase it out.
Food Tax

[bballjunkie]

Williamstown has no Business and Occupation (B&O) Tax like Vienna, Parkersburg, or other cities. They tried to do this a few years ago but were told by the State Tax Department their computer accounting system could not add on a city sales tax and generate a check back to the city. Once the Tax Department received a new computer system (or an update of the former system), the tax was passed.

I do not know if this tax is equal, greater, or less than a B&O tax by the time it gets back to the consumer. I am under the impression from news reports in the local paper that the businesses in town did not oppose this when it was under discussion. I would assume because it might be less than a B&O tax which is paid on gross receipts of the business.