I bought a prepared salad at Walmart today in Houston, Texas. I thought it a bit strange to pay tax on food, but I understand their reasoning. What was still confusing was that I was charged an 8.25% sales tax on that 2.98 salad.
If I understand correctly, Texas, when charging tax on food uses 6.25% and can go up to 8.05% on groceries. I have seen nothing quoting 8.25% sales tax on food in Texas, except my receipt from Walmart.
What is the sales tax on prepared food items in Texas?
The Texas state sales and use tax rate is 6.25 percent, but local taxing jurisdictions (cities, counties, special-purpose districts and transit authorities) also may impose sales and use tax up to 2 percent for a total maximum combined rate of 8.25 percent. -- https://comptroller.texas.gov/taxes/sales/faq/local.php
The reason your salad was taxable is that it was prepared. In Texas (and probably most other places), prepared food is taxable. If you buy the individual ingredients, it's not.
