Q: I recently discovered that the food tax on groceries is now 3 percent, not the customary 2 percent, and has been so since Jan. 1. Can you explain when and how this change was legislated? -- Rachel Stavrolakis, Decatur
A: Some local sales taxes, including the 1 percent Homestead Sales Tax in DeKalb County, can apply to the sale of food and food ingredients as a result of House Bill 1221, which passed during the 2010 legislative session, Karen Lashley-Lucas, a spokeswoman for the Georgia Department of Revenue, told Q&A on the News in an e-mail. Only five counties -- DeKalb, Muscogee, Rockdale, Taliaferro and Webster -- were affected by the food taxability changes associated with HB 1221. The rate of tax on food and food ingredients increased by 1 percent in each of those counties, she said.
Q: How many tickets are sold for the Masters? -- Gene Murphy, Johns Creek
A: Augusta National Golf Club and the Masters don't release numbers relating to ticket sales, Steve Ethun, the club's director of communications, told Q&A on the News in an e-mail. A "very limited supply" of daily tickets will be available for the 2012 Masters. It is the first time in 47 years that the club has opened ticket sales for the tournament, according to masters.com.
Lori Johnston wrote this column. Do you have a question about the news? We’ll try to get the answer. Call 404-222-2002 or e-mail q&a@ajc.com (include name, phone and city).
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