Dining USA - Prices - Tax - Tip ?

Greetings Forum!

What about the price for a meal in the USA, does the price include tax, and what about the tip for the waiter...?

Here in Germany every price includes the german sales tax, and the Trinkgeld (Tip) is a voluntary contribution by the customer, depending on, how good or bad the service was.

At a Currywurst-, or a Bratwurst-Shack, a tip is uncommon, only in restaurants with personal servive, then the tip ranges from 2,- to 5,- Euro.
(Tax-Free Money for the waiter)

Thanks for any answer...

Kind regards

Michael

The menu price does not include tax about 99% of the time.  Sales tax varies by state and city.

You'll hear more about tipping than you ever wanted to, but usually 15-20% of the total is standard.  It is a voluntary contribution, but tipped employees are paid far less than minimum wage because tips are expected.  They are also taxed on 10% of their sales regardless of how much they make in tips.

Fast food employees are never tipped, and for the most part anywhere you pick up food at a counter the employees wouldn't be tipped, but many of those will have a tip jar at the register.

Moin felix!

Here in Germany it is official, that the price for a meal has to include our so called Mehrwertsteuer (Sales Tax).

Your mentioned "Tip Jar" is also common over here, the custumers throw their change in a glass bowl on the counter, never at MD, or BK, but in the small shacks, selling pizza, doener, gyros...

So, for a menu of about 15,- US Dollar, what would be the final amount?

Kind regards

Michael

It depends on where you get it.  Here in Michigan, in a city without its own local sales tax, you pay 6%.  So a $15 meal would come to $15.90 with tax.  Add a 20% tip to it, and you're looking at $18.90.

Other states have different sales tax rates, and some cities have additional local sales tax at different rates.

And generally if you get takeout there is no tax or tip to be concerned about.

Thank you...!

Aha, I see, a takeout, no tax, no tip, in a diner with service, + 25%, very obscure, these rules...

I was always wondering for the cheap menus on the american menu cards.

Thanks, I was just curious about this...

German Regards

Michael

Michael, most states Do tax take-out. I didn't Ohio didn't. Here in West Virginia the tax on all prepared hot foods is 6%. 8KM South of me in Virginia, the tax on prepared foods is 9%.

Here in WV the tax on non-prepared foods is 3% and about the same in VA.

Arouind me almost all the places that do take-out have a TIP jar. Sitdown places the usual TIP is between 15 - 20%, like said above.