Tax on Granite Countertop Installation in KY

[Mark S.]

I just had granite countertops installed as part of upgrading my kitchen in my primary residence. I went with someone who came highly recommended to me by 3 other people I know personally. After shopping around a little bit, this company was in the middle as far as price per square foot, said they don’t charge any other installation fees, fees to drill holes, etc.

Overall the countertops look great (went with Valle Nevado - which I guess is an A grade granite meaning entry level and very common so it’s a bit less expensive - went well with other kitchen colors).

Anyway, original estimate was $2,050 for 3cm granite and $200 for Pelican 50/50 sink, so $2,250 all-in.

Final invoice had taxes of $125 listed. Total was $2,385 (should be $2,375 but his math was wrong and I had a million things going through my mind related to the kitchen remodel that I missed it so overpaid by $10). I paid the $2,385.

Afterwards, I started trying to figure out what this tax was based on. $125 / entire amount = about 5.5%. $125 / $2,050 countertops = about 6.10%. Sales tax in Kentucky is 6%. Question is whether or not I should have been charged tax?

I’ve read yes in some states and no in others. In fact, there was an article, I believe for MO, stating a lot of granite countertop installers add this tax in and it’s essentially a scam because in that particular state, customer doesn’t pay tax on this.

BOTTOM LINE: Should I have paid this tax or did he pull a fast one on me?

I really shouldn’t care as it’s such a small amount and I feel like the “out-the-door” price is more than fair, it just pisses me off because they were late, one of the cuts was slightly off (which hopefully shouldn’t be noticeable because we’re adding a backsplash), and I even bought them dinner as we ordered out and I didn’t want to be rude and thought it was a nice gesture (they ended up not eating, just finishing the job, and took their food for the road).