Why do restaurants (McDonalds, etc.) tax all of their to-go orders, whereas others (Coffee Bean, etc.) don't?

Question

Coffee Bean taxes items that are consumed at their location, but doesn't tax items to go. Why do other establishments such as McDonalds, Jack -in-the-Box, etcetera not follow that process...i.e., are we customers paying taxes on to-go items that aren't being taxed to the corporations? If so, it is a huge rip-off to the states that aren't collecting revenue from the very corporations that are taxing us. If we are indeed paying taxes on items that aren't taxed, what can we do about it?

Answer 1

Each state has different laws on what is taxed when. In California, all food from restaurants is taxed, regardless of whether it is eaten there or to go. Clearly, there is some sort of difference between Coffee Bean's and fast food restaurants' statuses in your state. If you give me your state I could look into it more closely.

Answer 2

All this depends on your asinine legislators of tax laws. It differs in states. Arkansas taxes all food, grocery stores, resturants etc. Thank Gov. Clinton for that.
Texas only taxes food consumed on premises. I think prepared food for carry out is taxed.
It may be that coffee is not considered "food ", or is, (I'm confused), in your state.

Note: If you are in Florida, toilet paper has a new additional tax,
1 cent per roll. Always buy the largest rolls. STUPID Laws

If you feel that you are being taxed on "non taxable" items, keep receipts and contact your state Controller. Write and send copy of receipts.

Answer 3

Well I guess Coffee Bean is being nice and paying those taxes for you because they are going to get paid somehow. You don't pay taxes on just what's consumed but on everything you buy.