[koofdoof]

I believe the logic is that it makes taxation something explicit that you are forced to notice. The idea being that an included tax would be invisible and allow for hidden changes and less recognition of the government's role.

[clhodapp]

That isn't a very compelling justification, since nothing stops businesses from continuing to include a tax estimate on the receipt even if it's included in the main price.

[mFixman]

But you do include credit card fees, which is something that should be more explicit.

[a-user-you-like]

Exactly right. We should work to lessen the tax burden instead of incentivizing raising it by hiding the number.

[growse]

> Exactly right. We should work to lessen the tax burden instead of incentivizing raising it by hiding the number.

This misses the point though. The problem exists at any tax rate greater than zero. Doesn't matter if it's a penny or 100% of the price, the issue is that the advertised price is not the monetary value that's expected to be exchanged for that product/service.

[a-user-you-like]

The point is that you shouldn’t _want_ it to include taxes, as that incentivizes worse behavior in governments. You should be reminded when you purchase something of how much is added on top by the locals.