The politicians have merchants who offer online shipping collecting the Pennsylvania sales tax. The problem is all sales taxes are not the same. The merchants apparently were told our tax is 6%, but not told that many items are exempted.

They are not concentrating on anything except a chart that says Pennsylvania — 6%. I ordered from a major chain store that charged me sales tax on medical devices that are exempt and it has become a major fight to have the tax returned. You can no longer call the store and have it removed because it is added at checkout and charged when you purchase.

How much is being collected on your online purchases? Is it a windfall for the merchant or the state? In either case it is a burden on the taxpayers. If you call for a tax guide your representative can’t get you one, but will refer you to the state Department of Revenue, which doesn’t answer calls.

Check your invoices and fight to have this unfair and illegal collection returned to your account. Complain to your representatives — they are the ones who put us in this situation.

RAYMOND HARTMAN

Old Lycoming Township