The Roofer Sales Tax Con

[Dan L.]

Just had a roofer try that sales tax con on me. Went something like:

Roofer: “It’ll cost $6,800 for a new roof”

Me: “Ok, sounds good, let me think about. And you think the plywood looks okay?”

Roofer: “Yes I don't see any problem with it”

Me: “If you do have to replace any plywood, how much per sheet?”

Roofer: “$50. But I’ll tell you what, if you pay $500 for the dumpster, I'll replace whatever plywood is needed for free.”

Me: “But you just said it didn't look like I needed to replace any, why would I do that?”

Roofer: “Well I'll tell you what. If you pay the $500 for the dumpster, I also won't charge you tax either.”

Me: “You can't charge tax on a capital Improvement!”

Roofer: “I have to charge sales tax”

Me: “No, you can't!”

And now that I am feeling this guy is really shady I asked…

Me: “So you said you could start on Thursday? Could I get this in writing? Like a written quote?”

Roofer: “I would, but then if it’s in writing, I would have to charge you sales tax”

Geeeezzzzzzzzzzzz!