Be aware that in California a battery core deposit has sales tax charged on it which you will not get back. When I returned my old batteries for the core deposit refunds the sales tax was not returned. Per O'Reilly Auto Customer Satisfaction Department, who referenced the California State Law "Tax paid with respect to the core deposit should not be refunded or credited to the customer" The core deposit on each battery was $22.00 so tax on two batteries was $3.96. I have concluded that to be a cheap enough cost for the lesson I learned - take the old batteries in with you when you purchase new batteries so there will be no core deposits to deal with and no sales tax taken.

Calif. State of emergency and state of taxation,.

So, do they charge sales tax on bottle deposits too?

Right on. If I had a farm in California and a home in Hell I'd sell the farm and go home.

Sounds a little fishy. I know in Florida the sales tax on cores have to be refunded. I would check with Department of taxation.Someone ripping you off, either it is O'Reilly or the state and personally, I would like to know which one it is.

Not just California.. Some other states do it that way as well (Sorry no list) Last time I did a CORE it was that way.. NOt sure which of 3 states that was.I have had it happen though where I carried the dead in and took the new out.. "Trade in" rather than "CORE" and was charged tax only on the "Difference"(IE: battery 79.95 core 5.00 taxed on 74.95) Do not know if that would work in CA

California Battery Core Deposit | Good Sam Community

jandjbaums
Explorer
Apr 01, 2015
path1 wrote:
Your lucky. Don't know if its changed or not, but years ago I bought an extra battery to add to the existing battery in the trailer and was charged for not having a battery to turn in.

But then again the neighbor was wondering why you pay tax on hay and pay tax again when you buy manure?
The hell with the core charge, this makes more sense! They did this with tires awhile ago. It didnt stop tires from finding there way to the forest and along the side of the road. Double taxation
3oaks
Explorer
Apr 01, 2015
path1 wrote:
..................................................................................
But then again the neighbor was wondering why you pay tax on hay and pay tax again when you buy manure?

Maybe it was a "value added tax" for the hay being processed. :B
YC_1
Nomad
Apr 01, 2015
Ah yes, sales tax. If you sell a car and have the dealer add a tow hitch or sun roof there is tax on the labor. If you drive it off the lot and come back there is not sales tax on the labor.

When in doubt, I collect the sales tax. I am one of the California business owners that said adios and now live in Florida. Born in Calif. Taxed to death. No state income tax here and the cost of living is 20% less. Maybe more.
time2roll
Nomad
Apr 01, 2015
For best results bring the core in at time of purchase.
Ski_Pro_3
Explorer
Apr 01, 2015
jimlynda61 wrote:
I have concluded that to be a cheap enough cost for the lesson I learned - take the old batteries in with you when you purchase new batteries so there will be no core deposits to deal with and no sales tax taken.

Not true.

I took my old battery in to Costco. They still charged the core charge; ($15), my new battery and sales tax. I paid with a check. Then the guy handed me back $15 in cash. I gripped to him for a good 5 minutes, but he said all battery sales MUST include the core charge, even if you have it right there with you when you buy the battery.

Question; what if you buy a new battery that isn't replacing an old battery? There is no core.
pira114
Explorer II
Apr 01, 2015
skipro3 wrote:
jimlynda61 wrote:
I have concluded that to be a cheap enough cost for the lesson I learned - take the old batteries in with you when you purchase new batteries so there will be no core deposits to deal with and no sales tax taken.

Not true.

I took my old battery in to Costco. They still charged the core charge; ($15), my new battery and sales tax. I paid with a check. Then the guy handed me back $15 in cash. I gripped to him for a good 5 minutes, but he said all battery sales MUST include the core charge, even if you have it right there with you when you buy the battery.

Question; what if you buy a new battery that isn't replacing an old battery? There is no core.

Depends on where you go. That must be Costco's policy. I just bought two new batteries for my truck. Took the two old ones in and was not charged a core charge.

I do hate the fact that they'll charge core on new batteries when you're not replacing one. Haven't figured that one out yet
mich800
Explorer
Apr 01, 2015
pira114 wrote:
skipro3 wrote:
jimlynda61 wrote:
I have concluded that to be a cheap enough cost for the lesson I learned - take the old batteries in with you when you purchase new batteries so there will be no core deposits to deal with and no sales tax taken.

Not true.

I took my old battery in to Costco. They still charged the core charge; ($15), my new battery and sales tax. I paid with a check. Then the guy handed me back $15 in cash. I gripped to him for a good 5 minutes, but he said all battery sales MUST include the core charge, even if you have it right there with you when you buy the battery.

Question; what if you buy a new battery that isn't replacing an old battery? There is no core.

Depends on where you go. That must be Costco's policy. I just bought two new batteries for my truck. Took the two old ones in and was not charged a core charge.

I do hate the fact that they'll charge core on new batteries when you're not replacing one. Haven't figured that one out yet

Because their price is based on getting a core back. Believe it or not there is a large market for usable cores for a variety of automotive parts.

Just to be clear. "Their" is the vendor not Costco.
bobmeel_65
Explorer
Apr 01, 2015
In Mississippi at Walmart mart you pay a disposal fee on oil and they will not take the old oil
CavemanCharlie
Explorer III
Apr 02, 2015
bobmeel 65 wrote:
In Mississippi at Walmart mart you pay a disposal fee on oil and they will not take the old oil

In MN any place that changes oil is required by law to take the old oil back. And, if you change your own oil and take it to them they have to take it.

Most of my local mechanics are happy to take it anyway. They put used oil burners in there shops and that is how they heat them in the winter.

They do make you pay to dispose of used tires though.
JAYHAWKERS
Explorer
Apr 04, 2015
In Kansas, the sales tax on the core is refunded. While on the subject of sales taxes.......I ordered some clothing items from an on-line out of state store and I was shocked that they charged sales tax on the items and sales tax on the shipping too.