Someone has been saying there's no tax on food. What exactly is the tax law?
http://dor.wa.gov/content/taxes/sales/The Washington State Department of Revenue's Retail Sales Tax page.
http://dor.wa.gov/content/home/qa/tax_QA_RST.aspxRetail Sales Tax Q&A
I was kinda surprised reading this. I thought the sales tax exemption applied to all out-of-staters, but it looks like they've got a list (yes, Oregon's on it). Also, bottled water isn't taxed. Didn't know that (I don't drink bottled water- I can get it free from the sink).
Strangely enough, it looks like donuts are exempt, but only if you don't sell them with utensils. It's nice to see that the guys in Olympia are having fun. :?
Having lived with this tax as long as I can remember, it just seems natural. But I imagine that if I came from a place where it doesn't apply it'd seem like the state was trying to nickel-and-dime me to death.
At least they don't charge a toll on the interstate bridge anymore.
EDIT:
See, I've heard tell that more places than not will offer discounts to those who live in Oregon and shop in Washington.
That all depends on what they're selling. They're only allowed to let you off the tax if it's something that you're expected to take back to Oregon. If you buy a CD, it's assumed you'll be playing it in Oregon. If you get a hotel room, then they know you'll be in Washington and tax you.
And even if you are buying something going home with you, the shopowner will only do it if he feels like screwing with the paperwork. Here in the Kelso/Longview area most shops do it because they know if they do the folks from Rainer/Clatskanie would prefer to drive here than deal with a trip to Portland. However, a store in Vancouver might not, since most of the people from Portland will probably shop in Portland anyway. I wouldn't know about that, though.
I also wouldn't know whether any of the dealers at the con would be willing to deal with the paperwork. It'd be nice if they did, but don't count on it.
(The above is based on the law as I understand it. I may have misinterpreted it, however)