Sales Tax Overcharges: How to Not Overpay and Report Store

Latest update: December 1, 2024. Page URL indicates original publication date; meanwhile, times change, and the updates continue.

Have you been overcharged on sales tax? Here is a way on how to mentally calculate state sales taxes on the spot and stop being cheated, catch errors, and prevent fraudulent attempts.

Sales Tax - Regressive Taxation of the Poor

Business, Vendor, or Store Overcharging on State Sales Tax?

When it comes to sales taxes, fraud is not that rare of an occurrence. Many times, smaller stores do deliberately overcharge state sales tax. In fact, I’ve seen news reports where even the larger, national chain stores have been caught overcharging sales taxes. And employees in all stores have also been known to make price and state sales tax mistakes as well.

Mentally calculating state sales tax to prevent being overcharged is easy. It all has to do with rounding, no degree in rocket surgery required. You are simply doing a quick approximation to prevent yourself from being a victim of sales tax fraud or simply to prevent being mistakenly overcharged.

[Be advised that this page is US-centric. Canada and most European countries have sales taxes, or a value added tax (VAT) far exceeding 10%. However, if the VAT tax is close to another round number, one can still make this method work.]

Here are the four main premises of this page:

• Most combined state, country, city sales taxes do not exceed 10 percent, but most sales tax totals are reasonably close to 10 percent.
• Most thieves are greedy and will exceed the 10 percent amount.
• Even my dog can mentally calculate 10% of something.
• Even my dog can mentally add 10% of something to something.

You do not need any of these...

How to Mentally Calculate State Sales Tax – Some Examples

How do I calculate sales tax from a total?

The best way for this tutorial to demonstrate mentally calculating state total sales taxes is by giving examples. In reality, you already know how to do this. You just may not know that you know yet. So, let's begin. You walk up to the counter and engage in a purchase which sells for...

$49.99

1. You round the price to $50.
2. You calculate the 10% as $5.
3. You add the $50 plus $5 to get $55.
4. If the counter person wants more than $55, welcome to the world of sales tax fraud and overcharges.

Other Examples...

$29.99

1. You round it to $30.
2. 10% is $3.
3. Total is $33.
4. If the final price is over $33, welcome to the world of sales tax fraud and overcharges.

$5.99

1. Round to $6.
2. 10% is $.60.
3. Total is $6.60.
4. Anything over $6.60, welcome to the world of sales tax fraud and overcharges.

$79.98

1. $80.
2. $8.
3. $88.
4. Over $88, cheated.

It should be noted that honest mistakes do happen. You will find out soon enough if the overcharge was deliberate or accidental.

Is It Sales Tax Fraud?

What to Do When the Person at the Counter is Overcharging You on total State Sales Tax

This depends on your mood, time constraints, the amount of money involved, the store and neighborhood, etc. Below are some typical scenarios and what one can do in each situation; followed by what you can do after the fact.

You Don't Care About the Amount Involved

1. Say nothing.
2. Pay it.
3. Say nothing. Or say the routine "Thanks."
4. [Optional] Locate and take one of the business cards offered on the counter.
5. Leave.
6. Once outside, note the date and time.
7. Never go back.
8. Maybe tell everyone you know.

You Do Care About the Amount Involved (Option One)

1. Don't pay it.
2. Say nothing.
3. [Optional] Locate and take one of the business cards offered on the counter.
4. Leave. Be advised however, the counter person (probably the owner) will immediately know that you know he was trying to cheat you. And you took one of his cards... And state sales tax fraud is a very serious offense...
5. Once outside, note the date and time.
6. Never go back.
7. Maybe tell everyone you know.

You Do Care About the Amount Involved (Option Two)

• Politely point out the total is incorrect and explain why you think so.
• If the counter person reviews and corrects the error:

1. Pay it.
2. Call it a day.
3. Maybe or maybe not give the place another chance in the future.

• If the counter person denies, disputes, or otherwise argues with your statement...

1. Don't pay it.
2. [Optional] Locate and take one of the business cards offered on the counter.
3. Leave.
4. Once outside, note the date and time.
5. Never go back.
6. Tell everyone you know.

Reward for Reporting State Sales Tax Fraud?

How to Report Stores and Other Businesses Who Overcharge State Sales Taxes

Not only are you doing a good deed for society, but you might also make some money in the process.

1. Find your state's website dealing with all things sales tax.
2. Find where to report what you experienced. As an example, in California the California State Board of Equalization would be where to go. California does not pay a reward the last time I checked. However, reporting the fraud is still a good idea; wouldn't you like the thief (employee or owner) removed, so you can have an honest, local place to shop? Reports can be made anonymously and will still be investigated.
3. For other states, determine if you might get a reward. Tell them about your experience in detail, including date and time. Give them all the information on the business card. If you don't have the store's business card, that is ok; just be sure the store name and address you are reporting is correct. And don't worry; they're not going to just take your word for it. They will probably send the equivalent of a few "mystery shoppers" to the store to confirm. When they have absolutely verified and proven it is not an isolated incident; only then will the hammer fall on the deserving thief.

More than likely the store location is leased. With any luck, the thieving employee or owner will soon be gone; hopefully replaced with a new, honest employee or business.

A separate note as to state sales tax billing errors by business vendors. There it is in writing; it's a pretty good bet that this is an honest mistake, and a simple phone call will fix it. While you're at it, you might want to review the previous invoices from this vendor.

A July 2020 Update
If you do online shopping, you will want to read this site: Dark Patterns.

April 2021 Update
Depending on your state, retailers can be subjected to both criminal and civil penalties for frequent overcharging of sales tax. There can even be class action suits against the larger retailers.

October 2021 Update
Another holiday shopping season approaches, chaos expected to be even worse than last year. Here is a very worthwhile .gov page about sales taxes for Californians: California Buyer’s Guide to Tax.

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How to Calculate Miles-per-Gallon (MPG) and Cost-per-Mile (CPM) Formula and Savings

Latest update: February 26, 2024. Page URL indicates original publication date; meanwhile, times change and the updates continue.

Calculate Miles-per-Gallon and Cost-per-Mile Using Formula Templates

For folks who want accurate miles-per-gallon and cost-per-mile answers and savings.

For quick, easy answers; simply use the MPG and CPM formula templates below and you are done.

What with the Russia-Ukraine situation, gas prices are expected to rise.

This page will serve you well if your gas gauge is broken, inaccurate, or otherwise giving you problems. Or if you just want to know how well your car is doing. Can also be used for possibly figuring out ways to improve your mileage.

Needless to say, one needs to know the miles driven, how much gas was used, and the price of the gas before the templates will be of any use to you. If you do not already have these numbers, Section I below has everything you need to know on how to get started.

Distance Traveled Pre-calculation Template

New Odometer When Tank Refill  -  Old Odometer From Previous Refill  =  Miles Driven

As previously mentioned, if you are just looking for approximate answers, then you can simply use the templates and call it a day. If you are looking for the most real, accurate results possible and savings, see Section I.

How to Calculate Miles per Gallon Formula Template

Miles Driven  /  Gallons Used  =  Miles-per-Gallon (MPG)

Example

1. You drove 100 miles and used 5 gallons of gas.
2. Your intuitive answer would be 20 miles-per-gallon. Your intuitive answer would be correct.
3. 100 miles traveled, divided by 5 gallons of gas used, gives you 20 miles per gallon.
4. 100/5 = 20 mpg.

How to Calculate Gas Cost per Mile Formula Template

Price per Gallon  /  Miles per Gallon  =  Cost-per-Mile (CPM)

Example

1. You paid $5 for a gallon of gas, and you get 10 miles-per-gallon (mpg).
2. Your intuitive answer would be $.50 a mile. Your intuitive answer would be correct.
3. $5 paid, divided by 10 miles traveled per gallon (mpg), gives you $.50 cost per mile.
4. 5/10 = $.50 cost-per-mile

About Your Miles per Gallon Results...

So what does the miles-per-gallon answer actually tell you? It tells you that...

• This particular vehicle,
• being mechanically maintained at a given level of efficiency,
• using a specific brand and grade of gasoline,
• being filled at a particular time of day,
• from a particular gas station and a particular pump at a particular  fill speed,
• and being driven a certain commute route,
• by a specific driver...

...gets so many miles per gallon.

Real Miles-per Gallon Savings

If the numbers used to make the calculations are accurate, this can lead to some interesting experimentation. What if...

• A different gas station or pump was used? Not all stations and pumps are the same.
• A different pump fill speed was used?
• The tank was filled at a different time of day? Temperature affects fluid density, first thing in the morning is best; that is when the gas is coldest and most dense.
• A different brand and/or grade of gasoline was used? See Section II.
• A different commute route was tried?
• Deficiencies were found as to the vehicle's maintenance?
• The vehicle's ignition timing was experimented with (but staying within smog emission specifications)? See Section II.
• The driver notices and alters a particular driving habit?

Probably other ideas might also come to mind over time.

Section I - Using a Reasonably Scientific Method and Mistakes to Avoid

If you are looking to get the most real, accurate results possible; this procedure will help you do that. If you are just looking for an approximation, then you can skip it all and fill in the templates with your existing numbers.

1. Pick a week, or other time period, when you will be doing your most typical driving pattern.
2. Have two pens and paper in the car.
3. Use the gas station you normally use. Fill the gas tank at your usual time. Note the pump number you are using. Note the pump speed you normally use. Do not top off. While waiting, write down your odometer reading, include tenths. If you have a trip-odometer, reset it to zero. Remember to not be distracted by all this to the point you forget to put back the gas cap.
4. Commence with your week; the usual work commute, errands, etc. Combining your work commute with errands will increase your gas mileage, but only do so if it is what you intend to usually do. Continue your routine until you have less than a quarter-tank. Don't strive for a gas-gauge reading of empty unless it is what you normally do.
5. Make sure you still have the pens and paper in your car.
6. At the same time of day as before, return to your previous gas station.
7. Attempt to use the same pump number you used before. Set to the same pump speed as before. While waiting: write down your odometer reading; write down your trip-odometer reading; include tenths from both. When the pump-handle clicks: write down how many gallons; and very definitely include tenths. Write down the price you paid per gallon. Save the receipt; if the gas station is at least half-coordinated, some or all of this information will be printed there for you. Does it match what's showing on the pump? Do not top off. If so inclined, reset trip-odometer to zero. And the gas cap thing again...
8. Proceed with your normal routine. You'll do the calculations with the templates at your leisure.

Section II - List of Notes About Fuel Economy, Improving Gas Mileage and Saving Money

Tune-ups and tire pressure: These are The Big Two as to getting the best mileage.

• Over-inflating tires increases gas mileage, but causes an immediate and significant increase in tire wear; so don't do that. Under-inflated tires reduces your mileage; and it doesn't do your sidewalls any good either.
• As for tune ups, spark plugs are especially important. A fouled or carbon-built-up plug reduces mileage drastically, not to mention it will probably cause you to flunk a smog check. A personal note: Two different mechanics quoted me a price of over $100 to change a set of 6 spark plugs, plus the inflated cost of the plugs. In both cases, I departed the premises immediately. I ended up changing the plugs myself, it's not that hard to do. Buy yourself a Chilton or Haynes manual for your particular make and model of car, they have all sorts of useful information. Some auto parts stores even have tool-loaner programs if you don't want to buy your own. Depending on how the plugs are positioned, changing spark plugs can be an obnoxious task. However, there is no law that says one has to do them all at once. I just did one or two at a time when sufficiently motivated. As a side note, disconnecting more than one plug at a time is not a good idea; reconnection time can be a disaster waiting to happen.

Looking ahead and coasting to stop lights: Is a close third.

Speed: Once you are above 40 mph or so; the faster you go, the lower your mileage.

Weight: If you are carrying excess, unnecessary weight in the trunk, it will:

• Reduce mileage
• Increase engine wear and tear
• Wear out your brakes faster

Ethanol: Do you have ethanol-times-of-year versus non-ethanol-times-of-year? It can be interesting to make mileage comparisons between the two. You probably won't be happy with the ethanol results.

Gasoline Grade: Putting premium in a car that takes regular will do absolutely nothing for your mileage. However, if your car is in the midgrade octane category and what with there being some octane rating overlap, it might be worth experimenting with trying both the lower and higher octanes; especially if you are also experimenting with the ignition timing.

Temperature and humidity: Mileage is better during cooler times of the year than during heatwaves. And the higher the humidity, the better the mileage. Yes, one does get better mileage on rainy days.

Air filter: When is the last time you replaced the air filter? A clogged air filter does reduce mileage and can cause smog test problems.

Fuel density and time of day: As mentioned earlier, always fill your tank first thing in the morning. Fluid density is affected by temperature. The colder it is, the more gas you get per gallon.

Logbook: If so inclined, this is as good a time as any to start one, especially if you want to try any of the aforementioned experiments..

A Couple of Relevant Federal Websites

I thought I'd include a couple of useful federal websites for future reference. Both are worth browsing the next time you have some time to kill.

If only urban freeway traffic looked like this...

From www.epa.gov/air-pollution-transportation. Has all sorts of links regarding vehicles and fuel efficiency and saving gas in general.

For when planning your next road trip...

From www.fueleconomy.gov/trip. This goes directly to their trip calculator page. What makes this calculator unique is you can specify the make and model of car you are using or are curious about. In addition to the total fuel cost calculation, they throw in a map and text directions as well. The rest of the site is also worth browsing.

On a final note, here are a couple other auto-related articles.

• How to mentally convert miles-per-hour to feet-per-second when driving: MPH to FPS.
• How to control a car in a panic stop: Avoiding a Collision.

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An Existential Definition of the Binary Encoding of the Universe

Latest update: July 25, 2022. Page URL indicates original publication date; meanwhile, times change and the updates continue.

Theory of a Physical Reality Philosophy -
A Math - Physics - Metaphysics Approach

Alternate titles

• How to Interpret 0 and 1
• The Numbers 0 and 1 Defines Nonexistence versus Existence
• What Is the Mathematical and Metaphysical Concept and Significance of the Numbers 0 and 1
• 1 - The First Non Zero Number - What Is the Meaning of Zero and One
• Binary Reality Fact of Existence
• It's All Ones and Zeros
• Does Negative Zero Exist

One Represented by Many

The Basic Interpretation of 0 and 1

This is a somewhat metaphysical approach as to the existence, meaning, concept, and significance of the numbers 0 and 1. What are the meanings of 0 and 1? What does 0 and 1 really signify?

Zero and One are the most important numbers of all the numbers in the universe. Zero and One defines the difference between existence (1) and nonexistence (0). All other numbers signifying existence can only exist when 1 exists. One is the opposite of none.

1 and 0 are the demarcation defining what is and what is not.

All numbers other than 1 are more of 1 or are none.

0 and 1 are the only numbers times themselves that are themselves. All other numbers become other numbers.

A successful division of 1 by a number other than 1 can only occur when the 1 is not a true 1. The 1 was, in fact, the sum of smaller 1's.

1 is not the first prime number. Contrary to popular belief, 1 is not a prime number at all.

0 exists when 1 or 1's do not exist. -1 cannot exist unless 1 exists. -0 does not exist. or does it?

Does -0 Exist? Otherwise known as Does the Concept of Negative Zero Exist?

If -0 equals 1, then -1 would equal 0; but it does not. So in math, -0 does not exist.

Logic and metaphysical logic, however could be different. Negative can mean not or can mean opposite. A Not 1 means it is equal to anything other than one. An opposite to one would be equal to 0. So not 1 and opposite to 1 have different meanings.

Applying the same logic to zero, however, gives us different results. A not zero means it is equal to anything other than zero; an opposite to zero means it is equal to anything other than zero. So not zero and opposite to zero are equal, whereas not one and opposite to one are not.

It therefore follows that stating -0 is also stating that the concept of not is the same as the concept of opposite. In other words, not equals opposite. That is not true. The meaning of not does not mean the same as the meaning of opposite. So -0 must be interpreted as a false statement, thus -0 does indeed not exist.

The Diverse or Abstract Interpretation of 1 and the Universe

The concept of the number 1 is greatly dependent on the undefined premise of "one what?". Every time science thinks it has found a true one, it invariably turns out to not be so. As an example, the atom was once thought to be the one true basic building block of the universe. But then it turned out the atoms were composed of the smaller 1's of electrons, protons, and neutrons. And now we have quarks, leptons, strangelets, etc. to contend with.

Who knows? Maybe there is no true one. Everything will always be discovered to be composed of something smaller. However, in its most basic form (if we can ever find it), all else derives from one. One is the definition, reality, concept, and source of all existence.

The Binary Base 2 Numbering System

Nothing versus something is the root of the binary system of numbers.

We use Base 10 in our day-to-day living. Base 10 has ten numbers (0-9) and orders of magnitude that are times ten. The lowest-order number represents itself times one. The next-order number represents itself times ten. The next order number represents itself times 10x10 or itself times 100. And so on.

An example would be the number 742. This number means that there are:

• two 1’s,
• four 10’s,
• and seven 100’s.

Which represents 2 + 40 + 700; for a total of 742.

The base 2 binary number system uses the same structure, the only difference being the order of magnitude. Base 2 has two numbers (0 and 1) and orders of magnitude that are times two. The lowest-order number represents itself times one. The next-order number represents itself times 2. The next order number represents itself times 2x2 or itself times 4. And so on.

An example would be the number 110. This number means that there are:

• No 1’s,
• one 2,
• and one 4.

Which represents 0 + 2 + 4; for a total of 6.

Other binary examples are:

• 0=0, 1=1
• 10=2, 11=3
• 100=4, 101=5, 110=6, 111=7
• 1000=8, 1001=9, 1010=10, 1011=11, 1100=12, 1101=13, 1110=14, 1111=15
• 10000=16

Binary is the mathematical representation of how the universe encodes itself.

Here are the quick lessons on this and the other: Base Number Counting Systems. All on one page.

.

1 and the Base 10 Pyramid

And what page about the base 10 number 1 would be complete without the usual acknowledgement of the series of 1's times themselves (squared)...

• 1² = 1
• 11² = 121
• 111² = 12321
• 1111² = 1234321
• 11111² = 123454321
• 111111² = 12345654321
• 1111111² = 1234567654321
• 11111111² = 123456787654321
• 111111111² = 12345678987654321

The binary paradigm is the foundation of the universe, including fractals (recursive geometric shapes) and chaos theory (the butterfly effect).

NASA deep space photo demonstrating fractals/chaos theory

There is no reason to believe the concept of "many" excludes the concept of multiple realities.

A visual representation of the theory of parallel and/or alternate universes.

Humankind relative to the universe

There are no extra pieces in the universe (-Deepak Chopra). You are here for a reason.

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