Ask Consumer Ed

Dear Consumer Ed:

If a car dealer is selling a car with a rebate, are they allowed to charge sales tax on the pre-rebate price?

Consumer Ed says:

For the answer to this question, we consulted the Georgia Department of Revenue.

No. The sales tax for vehicles purchased and titled in Georgia has been replaced by a title ad valorem tax or TAVT, a one-time tax based on the value of the vehicle. Rebates offered by dealers on new vehicles are not taxed as part of the TAVT.

For more information regarding TAVT, see the Frequently Asked Questions section of the Georgia Department of Revenue’s website: dor.georgia.gov/title-ad-valorem-tax-tavt-faq.

Dear Consumer Ed:

Can grocery stores sell meat in vacuum-sealed plastic packages if the seal is broken? I’ve noticed several big name stores that will offer manager’s specials for such products, but I thought it was illegal to sell them if the vacuum seal is broken.

Consumer Ed says:

For the answer to this question, we consulted the Georgia Department of Agriculture.

You are correct. Georgia law requires that food packages be in good condition to protect the integrity of the contents so that the food is not exposed to adulteration or potential contaminants. The Rules of the Georgia Department of Agriculture prohibit selling meat in a vacuum-sealed package if the seal is broken.
You may file a complaint against the grocery store by contacting the Georgia Department of Agriculture’s Food Safety Division at (404) 656-3621 or emailing compliance@agr.georgia.gov.

Consumer Ed is brought to you by the Georgia Department of Law’s Consumer Protection Division. Go to ConsumerEd.georgia.gov to submit your question and read additional consumer tips. Remember…we do not give legal advice. Always consult a lawyer about legal issues.