Dear Gill,

I noticed that my receipt for a purchase at Kitchen Collection at the Tanger Center in Foley had a “user fee” in addition to sales tax. It appears that the user fee is .005%.What is the user fee and what is its purpose?

Judith,

Lillian

Thanks for your question Judith. I think with the economic climate we are in, more people are taking a look at their receipts these days rather than just stuffing it away in their pocket book or billfold.

The user fee is a new thing. In fact, the Foley City Council passed the fee and put it into place around the first of October. And, you’re right, it is a one-half percent tax on your purchases at the Tanger Center. Businesses outside the Tanger Center are not affected. 

It will be in place for two years, at which time the city can choose to keep it going or cancel it.

The money doesn’t go to the city or to the store you purchase products from. Rather, it goes to the center to use for marketing, improvements and to attract new businesses. This, in turn, will promote the city.

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