Rossmoor Residents Were Overcharged Tax, Supervisor Foley Says

ROSSMOOR, CA —After an increase in sales tax in the city of Los Alamitos, Rossmoor residents were up in arms about having to keep up with the 1.5 percent increase. This week, new Orange County Supervisor Katrina Foley provided Rossmoor Community Services District a clarification that the City of Los Alamitos sales tax rate does not apply to Rossmoor.

Community Services Assistant to the General Manager Liz Deering reported that some Rossmoor residents were charged the increased City of Los Alamitos sales tax rate.

"The Rossmoor Community Services District inquired Foley about the sales tax charges for the unincorporated area of Rossmoor now that the City of Los Alamitos approved a new 1.5 percent local sales tax," Deering said.

Foley went to work and identified the crux of the matter. It has to do with two municipalities in the same zip code but with different jurisdictional boundaries.

While Rossmoor shares the same zip code with the City of Los Alamitos, Rossmoor keeps the same base 7.75 percent tax rate. The city of Los Alamitos’ new sales tax should only be imposed in that City's jurisdictional boundaries and should not be charged on sales made in unincorporated areas.

The California Department of Tax and Fee Administration has a website that allows users to look up a tax rate by address: gis.cdtfa.ca.gov/public/maps/TaxRates/

Using this website, you will see that 12081 Chaucer Rd, Los Alamitos, CA 90720, which is in unincorporated Rossmoor, lists a 7.75 percent total sales tax rate.

However, 11122 Los Alamitos Blvd, Los Alamitos, CA 90720, which is in the City of Los Alamitos, lists a 9.25 percent total sales tax rate.

"Retailers sometimes charge the wrong sales tax rate, particularly where a zip code contains multiple taxing districts," Deering said.

The California Department of Tax and Fee Administration states:

"What happens if you are charged too much tax? Contact the business where you believe the incorrect rate was charged and request a refund. If you are unable to resolve the issue, call the CDTFA at 1-800-400-7115 (TTY:711), and staff will work with that company to resolve the problem."

A win for Rossmoor residents and shoppers and yet another reason to shop and buy within the unincorporated area's borders.

Orange County Supervisor Katrina Foley has stated that she “looks forward to continue working with the Rossmoor community to help solve community concerns.”

Were you overcharged? Let us know in comments, or by emailing your Patch Editor.