Can a store make a veteran choose between their discount and the use of tax exemption?

SPC Joshua Tatum — Tue, 16 Nov 2021 14:57:04 -0500

I live in a state that offers 100% disabled veterans tax exemption.

Response by SSgt Christophe Murphy made Nov 16 at 2021 3:10 PM

SSgt Christophe Murphy — Tue, 16 Nov 2021 15:10:44 -0500

So a store is wanting to honor one offer but not both simultaneously? Stores generally have the discretion of approving/denying discounts but considering you are talking about State Law you may need to reference someone who works closely with the State agency that manages this program. Or you could find a Vteran Advocate from the county or State that could answer your question.

Response by SSG Private RallyPoint Member made Nov 16 at 2021 3:28 PM

SSG Private RallyPoint Member — Tue, 16 Nov 2021 15:28:35 -0500

Stores don’t have to give you either. Your state does tax exemption for 100% for state owned businesses, not private institutions. It’s up to them whether or not they honor one or both.

This question makes you sound like an entitled veteran.

Response by Sgt Private RallyPoint Member made Nov 16 at 2021 4:06 PM

Sgt Private RallyPoint Member — Tue, 16 Nov 2021 16:06:01 -0500

Stores set their policies and it is typical that they will not honor multiple discounts at the same time. I have not been to any stores that will allow you to take more than one discount.

Response by CDR Private RallyPoint Member made Nov 16 at 2021 5:10 PM

CDR Private RallyPoint Member — Tue, 16 Nov 2021 17:10:40 -0500

A merchant is not legally obligated to provide a discount; however, it’s a curious either/or proposition because its discount comes from its profit margin, whereas the tax exemption is a matter between you and the state. They are separate ways the merchant and the state say thank you. Odd that the merchant would make you choose between the two.

Response by SFC Kelly Fuerhoff made Nov 16 at 2021 5:51 PM

SFC Kelly Fuerhoff — Tue, 16 Nov 2021 17:51:33 -0500

Private Stores/businesses don't have to offer any discounts.

States sales taxes are all that are exempt - excise taxes like cigarettes or gas are nto exempt.

The first thing that came up was for OK - and in OK a vendor has to accept a Veterans Exemption Card and if they refuse, you can get a refund of the tax and there's a form for it. I don't know what state you're in. But it's very easy to look it up.

Why are you so worried how many discounts you get?

Response by Cpl Vic Burk made Nov 16 at 2021 7:05 PM

Cpl Vic Burk — Tue, 16 Nov 2021 19:05:40 -0500

I wouldn't rock the boat. I accept discounts as a courtesy from the participating business. They don't really have to do that much for you. In Tennessee the 10% most businesses give Veterans basically covers the tax. Be thankful for any discounts!

Response by Lt Col Jim Coe made Nov 20 at 2021 11:56 AM

Lt Col Jim Coe — Sat, 20 Nov 2021 11:56:34 -0500

Yes. Civilian corporations operate most retail establishments. They are free to follow corporate policies as long as they don't violate federal, state, or local laws. It's great that your state offers 100% disabled vets a tax exemption. In my area, that could be as high as 18%! The best veterans discount I've found is 10% at Lowes. Most stores in my area offer no veterans discount. I say take the best deal you can get, smile, and tell them thank you!