Group asserts some Henrico restaurants charging meals tax incorrectly

One local chain is changing practices following an investigation.

February 3, 2015; 2:09 PM • by Trevor Dickerson

Henrico County’s 4% meals tax, which was enacted by voters in 2013, went into effect last year, and is projected to provide over $18 million in funding for Henrico County Public Schools.

But some dining patrons feel they’re being unfairly taxed for items that don’t qualify as taxable items under the county’s regulations–drinks and desserts, for example.

One Wendy’s franchisee who operates three restaurants in the West End was taxing customers who only purchased a small coffee, for example, when in fact the law states the meals tax can only be applied to a full meal consisting of food products.

NBC12 investigated customer claims of the activity, after which representatives with Wendy’s corporate and the franchisee in question updated computer systems to accurately assess meals tax fees.

A Facebook group, ‘Citizens Concerned about Henrico County Meals Tax Violations,’ asserts that other restaurants are engaging in this practice as well.

See NBC12’s full investigation here.

Photo: alanwhitaker