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Randomly Received a Small Refund

A few hours ago, I received a tiny refund for a purchase I made back in May 2023. Here's the thing - I did not request for a refund. The refund is less than a dollar. Should I be suspicious of something here? Should I contact the seller? It feels completely out of left field.

Message 1 of 55
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54 REPLIES 54

Re: Randomly Received a Small Refund

Same here. It's really a pain for our accounting system.

Message 46 of 55
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Re: Randomly Received a Small Refund

I’m happy to have found this post. I received a handful of refunds today and was confused and concerned. But seeing that it has happened to other people and the “reason” for it has eased my concern. 

Message 47 of 55
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Re: Randomly Received a Small Refund

I’ve gotten these refunds too. And I keep seeing is has to do with Michigan. But I don’t live in Michigan. What could the explanation be? At least I know I’m not alone!

Message 48 of 55
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Re: Randomly Received a Small Refund

Okay so as of now 1/24/24 I'm experiencing this phenomenon, I got nearly 20 listings I bought in July Partially refuned for .20 cents here to .50 cents there. 

I don't live in Michigan and from what I was able to collect the listings that still were archived (cause ebay deletes some full detailed listings they way they were originally posted for sale if they are older than 90 days) none that I could tell where from Michigan.

From this log here it seems the automated service is no help or is customer  service humans if you can get ahold of one not contacting sellers.

For now my only guess is maybe my state changed their sales tax law as well and ebay is giving out refunds for sales taxes they shouldnt have charged and I'm experiencing what is happening to people that buy or sell from Michigan

No real clear answer just some good theories, either way I'm just hoping it's not something that will prevent me from buying in the future or make it necessary where I may need to change my debt to get whatever this is to stop if it shouldnt be happening, honestly I don't know just trying to make sence of it. Also seems just laughable that the only real clarity to this issue is from the Ebay buyer/seller community and not the cooperation themselves at least we look out for each other.

Message 49 of 55
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Re: Randomly Received a Small Refund

@collector_1234  I see from your listings you are in Kansas - looks like they also changed their sales tax laws regarding collecting of tax on shipping last year.

 

https://www.ksrevenue.gov/taxnotices/notice23-02.pdf 

 

https://www.salestaxinstitute.com/resources/kansas-no-longer-taxes-delivery-charges-as-of-july-1-202... 

 

Following changes to the tax code that were made during the 2022 legislative section, as of July 1, 2023, Kansas no longer imposes sales tax on delivery charges that are separately stated on the invoice, bill of sale, or other documentation given to the purchaser.

 

@stimpyfan20 what state are you in?

Message 50 of 55
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Re: Randomly Received a Small Refund

I wasn't aware that was public information I didnt want to disclose that myself but yes I am in Kansas, I guess the links you posted clear up the confusion about this situation.

Hopefully I just get the refunds and thats the end of it.

Message 51 of 55
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Re: Randomly Received a Small Refund


@stimpyfan20 wrote:

I wasn't aware that was public information I didnt want to disclose that myself but yes I am in Kansas, I guess the links you posted clear up the confusion about this situation.

Hopefully I just get the refunds and thats the end of it.


@stimpyfan20 sorry for any confusion - it's only public information if you have active listings for sale, which is how I was able to see that collector_1234 is in Kansas (the city and state are shown for item location on the listing page).

 

But glad it helped clear things up for you too!

Message 52 of 55
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Re: Randomly Received a Small Refund

I had the same thing happen. Is it a scam. Nobody answered you to let you know what is up?

Message 53 of 55
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Re: Randomly Received a Small Refund

 


@traco1958 wrote:

I had the same thing happen. Is it a scam. Nobody answered you to let you know what is up?


@traco1958 

What do you mean by ‘Nobody answered you…’?

It was explained multiple times that these small refunds are for sales taxes collected on shipping costs after the buyer’s state (MI, KS, other?) changed their tax laws.

 

It is NOT a scam.

Message 54 of 55
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Re: Randomly Received a Small Refund

Oh ok I did not see that. Thank you for clearing that up. It just happened in the last few days so I didn't know. Thanks again!

Message 55 of 55
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