Kobo Store Charging HST to Albertans

[pdops]

I'm curious if anyone else is seeing this? I'm in Alberta and have this as my location in my profile at Kobo. There is no PST or HST in Alberta.

CHECKOUT

Subtotal $7.99
GST/TPS $0.40
HST $0.64
Total $9.03

I don't remember seeing this before and I suspect it started happening with the new checkout pages.

[Spiritia]

Originally Posted by pdops

I'm curious if anyone else is seeing this? I'm in Alberta and have this as my location in my profile at Kobo...

I'm having the same problem. I have taken the following steps.

1. Went on the live chat on the kobo site for help. The guy was useless. After telling him my problem and that I was in Alberta, he asked what country I was in. It went downhill from there. He gave me instructions on how to clear cache and cookies for a web browser on a desktop after telling him I was on an iPad. (Later, I did clear cookies and cache but it didn't work). He couldn't help me because I was on an iPad.

2. Emailed customer service. Got auto reply telling me I would receive a reply from them within 24-48 hours.... Ya, not happening. It's been 3 days.

3. Went on their facebook group to explain the situation, and found that this is a known glitch since about November 4th or since the end of October according to one poster. They are working on it. I posted my problem and kobo replied for me to send my email.... No reply yet, but it hasn't been that long.

4. Tried changing my hometown on Facebook because my account is linked.... Didn't work.

5. Did a search on twitter and found more cases. But not just recent ones. Some dating back 3-4 years! They have had lots of tax problems. I posted my own problem @kobo #canada #alberta #bad business.

I'm so angry that this this isn't a bigger deal to them. They are over taxing Albertans, know about it it, and continue to do it. There is no notice on the website. They will offer a refund apparently, if you ask. But what about all those customers who don't know to do this or who don't even notice? Where does that money go? Into kobo's pocket?

I did not buy the book I wanted. I refuse to buy anything there until the problem is fixed.

[PurpleStar]

I've had that charged before using google chrome. Tried buying with Firefox and wasn't charged HST. So, it may be your browser that's the problem.

[heatherc]

Originally Posted by PurpleStar

I've had that charged before using google chrome. Tried buying with Firefox and wasn't charged HST. So, it may be your browser that's the problem.

For a while, that worked, but now Firefox and IE are charging me HST. The only way I've been able to avoid it is by buying a book through my Kobo Glo. Not very efficient!

[PeterT]

I'm told it has been reported to Kobo management and has been red flagged by them.

[mr_nihilism]

Originally Posted by heatherc

For a while, that worked, but now Firefox and IE are charging me HST. The only way I've been able to avoid it is by buying a book through my Kobo Glo. Not very efficient!

I'll second that. Using the Glo/AuraHD is the solution to the pollution.

Potential lawsuit situation if you ask me.

[Marbles]

I am having the same problem. I have been having chats and have had it sent to teir2. Not sure when it is going to be corrected. Makes me mad.

[pdops]

Thanks for the replies everyone.

Originally Posted by Spiritia

... I did not buy the book I wanted. I refuse to buy anything there until the problem is fixed.

Same here.

[jackastor]

Originally Posted by pdops

I'm curious if anyone else is seeing this? I'm in Alberta and have this as my location in my profile at Kobo. There is no PST or HST in Alberta.

CHECKOUT

Subtotal $7.99
GST/TPS $0.40
HST $0.64
Total $9.03

I don't remember seeing this before and I suspect it started happening with the new checkout pages.

hst is a combination of Provincial tax and the Gst. Only provinces that charge PST should be charged HST, Alberta should only see GST not HST

regards

Jack

[Spiritia]

Originally Posted by Spiritia

I'm having the same problem. I have taken the following steps.

1. Went on the live chat on the kobo site for help. The guy was useless. After telling him my problem and that I was in Alberta, he asked what country I was in. It went downhill from there. He gave me instructions on how to clear cache and cookies for a web browser on a desktop after telling him I was on an iPad. (Later, I did clear cookies and cache but it didn't work). He couldn't help me because I was on an iPad.

2. Emailed customer service. Got auto reply telling me I would receive a reply from them within 24-48 hours.... Ya, not happening. It's been 3 days.

3. Went on their facebook group to explain the situation, and found that this is a known glitch since about November 4th or since the end of October according to one poster. They are working on it. I posted my problem and kobo replied for me to send my email.... No reply yet, but it hasn't been that long.

4. Tried changing my hometown on Facebook because my account is linked.... Didn't work.

5. Did a search on twitter and found more cases. But not just recent ones. Some dating back 3-4 years! They have had lots of tax problems. I posted my own problem @kobo #canada #alberta #bad business.

I'm so angry that this this isn't a bigger deal to them. They are over taxing Albertans, know about it it, and continue to do it. There is no notice on the website. They will offer a refund apparently, if you ask. But what about all those customers who don't know to do this or who don't even notice? Where does that money go? Into kobo's pocket?

I did not buy the book I wanted. I refuse to buy anything there until the problem is fixed.

5. Replied auto reply that kobo sent describing this as a kobo fail and received another email saying my concern had been 'escalated' and someone would be in touch with soon.

6. Received another email telling me they were sorry and they would notify me when it was resolved. No time frame.


So now what?.... I loved my kobo glo but can't find a kindle with a light. Don't want a tablet as they are too heavy. I love electronic ink as it is easy on the eyes.

[speakingtohe]

AFAIK there is nothing illegal about charging HST as long as they rebate it. Obviously they haven't done that. And of course it looks especially stupid for a company that has been doing business in Canada for quite a few years.

I doubt Revenue Canada would get too excited, but if they do not refund the 64 cents I would file a complaint, just because of the annoyance it is causing you.

If it is annoying enough write a short letter/email to your local MP and the opposition member for your riding.

If you love your Kobo Glo, just buy your books elsewhere and or get library books. Living well is the best revenge

Helen

[mr_nihilism]

^
I always thought that revenge was the best revenge.

[thymaster]

If you want this fix immediately, tell your government that Kobo have been violating tax laws. I can't believe this have been go on for 4 years. They need to refund back everyone they charged HST and PST to because they can get a fine and probably business shut down nationwide for knowing the problem and not addressing it. This is a serious because the Canadian government gets really sensitive when it comes to tax related fraud.

[speakingtohe]

Originally Posted by thymaster

If you want this fix immediately, tell your government that Kobo have been violating tax laws. I can't believe this have been go on for 4 years. They need to refund back everyone they charged HST and PST to because they can get a fine and probably business shut down nationwide for knowing the problem and not addressing it. This is a serious because the Canadian government gets really sensitive when it comes to tax related fraud.

I could be wrong, but I read a tax bulletin recently that said it was not illegal as long as they paid it back. No idea if they do on request or not. It is not fraud AFAIK if they remit the GST/HST that they have collected to the government. It is just stupidity.

Helen

[Spiritia]

To be clear.... The posts going back that far we're not this particular problem. This one has been going on since nov 4 2013.

7. Downloaded my book directly onto kobo using wifi and kobo store. No hst charged. Thanks for the suggestion. Seriously considering the kindle paper light now though.