Discounts and Coupons

Generally, customers buy discount vouchers and group coupons online and then bring them to the retailer for the discount. The purchase of a discount voucher is not taxable. If the item (or service) is taxable, charge sales tax when the voucher or coupon is redeemed.

Note: Your records must support the tax calculation.

For more information, see Coupons, Discounts, Rewards, Rebates, and Other Forms of Payment. 

If employees receive a discount on meals, charge tax on the price an employee pays for a meal. For example: Your employees get a 15 percent meal discount. The menu price (before tax) is $10.00. The $8.50 discounted price is taxable.

If employees receive free meals, you owe use tax on the cost of any taxable items used in the meal. For more information, see Free meals and drinks below.

Free meals and drinks are given away with no purchase necessary, which does not include two for one meals, free child meals (with adult purchase), or coupon meals.

You must pay use tax on taxable items provided or included with a free drink or meal. For example:

• disposable cups
• napkins
• prepared food
• soft drinks in cans or bottles
• straws

If you serve free drinks, you must pay use tax on the cost of liquor used in the free drinks. Use tax includes the state general use tax rate, the liquor gross receipts use tax, and any applicable local taxes.

Note: Use tax is not due on the cost of nontaxable food.

Meals and drinks are considered complimentary when they are included in the price of a room, and the room charge is the same whether or not the customer consumes the meal or drink.

Examples include:

• appetizers
• beverages (alcoholic and nonalcoholic)
• continental or hot breakfast
• cookies and snacks
• evening dinner

Note: Tax is due on any taxable items used to provide complimentary meals or drinks.