By Trendsetter Tribune 
Food costs have become a major concern for Americans, with a recent Pew Research Center survey finding that about six in 10 U.S. adults consider the price of food “extremely” or “very” important when deciding what to buy. It’s no surprise, then, that seeing unexpected charges on a receipt can cause a double take—as one Florida woman recently discovered at a Little Caesars restaurant.
The TikTok Reaction
TikTok creator @veevaalishousss shared a video from her car documenting a puzzling receipt after picking up pizza. She said the total price seemed to jump from $13 to $15, prompting her to inspect the bill more closely.
Instead of a single tax line, the receipt broke charges into multiple components: a state tax of $0.87, a city tax of $0.14, and an additional transit or district fee of $0.15.
“Then I look on the receipt and it says state and city charge—taxes or whatever. State and city taxes? Somebody explain that. What the [expletive] is going on?” she asked in the video, which quickly gained attention online.
Many viewers were surprised, especially those accustomed to seeing a single combined tax percentage rather than a detailed breakdown. “What,” one commenter wrote. “I’m jus as confused.”
Online Explanation
Other TikTok users explained that nothing unusual had occurred; the receipt simply itemized taxes that are normally combined into one number.
“They’re just choosing to tell you where the taxes are being charged from instead of listing it as 8.25% like you’re used to seeing,” one person noted, citing examples from Texas where the total sales tax combines state, city, and district charges. Another added, “That’s state tax of 8.25%. Don’t you pay taxes on your purchases?”
Multiple commenters reiterated that retail systems often list taxes differently depending on local reporting rules and point-of-sale software, which can make receipts look unfamiliar even when the total owed is correct.
@veevaalishousss They said the prices going up chile everybody need a cut of these taxes city state and transit district #explorepage✨ #viral #fyp #littleceasers ♬ original sound – veevaalishousss
Understanding Florida Sales Tax
According to the Florida Department of Revenue, the statewide sales tax rate is 6% for most retail purchases, with some exceptions such as new mobile homes, amusement machine receipts, and electricity. Counties and cities can add discretionary surtaxes, typically ranging from 1% to 2% depending on location.
When stores itemize these local and state charges separately, shoppers see multiple tax lines instead of a single combined percentage. The total amount paid remains the same—it’s simply displayed in a more granular way.
Conclusion
While the TikTok video raised eyebrows, it serves as a reminder that itemized taxes are not unusual—they simply reflect local and state requirements. For shoppers concerned about receipts, reviewing the breakdown of charges can provide clarity and avoid unnecessary confusion.
The Mary Sue has reached out to @veevaalishousss and Little Caesars for further comment on the receipt and the unusual display.