New York tries to answer a taxing question.

Exactly which foods are taxable? If you run a bakery, bagel shop, deli or nearly any other retail food business, you may have asked yourself this very questions many times. Don't sweat it if your confused - a lot of people are. The tax guidelines read a bit like stereo instructions!

A loaf of bread is not taxable - unless it's sliced and served with a bowl of soup. Bagels have no tax - until you spread on the butter or cream cheese. Don't tax that pound of cold-cuts - unless you're presenting them on a platter!

Such are the intricacies of the state tax laws. For the first time, however, the Department of Taxation and Finance took the step of explaining them all in a series of 11 “tax bulletins” that were just released. Officials hope that these guidelines, written in “simplified language,” will help clarify the do's and don'ts of collecting sales tax on food and beverages.

The verdict? Only time will tell. In the meantime, check out this article featured in The Times Union with some terrific insight into this very taxing issue.

Food on a plate? It's taxable.

ALBANY -- Order your bagel to go. It might lower your tax liability.

After faulting Bruegger's Bagel Bakery franchises in a 2010 audit for failing to collect sales tax on sliced bagels -- the cleaving was deemed to be a form of preparation that made the bagel more ready-to-eat and therefore subject to sales tax -- the state Department of Taxation and Finance has issued a series of interpretive bulletins for retailers that may prompt the state's largest bagel-monger to once again shift its practice.

It's the first time New York's tax collectors have given comprehensive guidance about whether particular foods and beverages are taxable...

Read the rest of the article at timesunion.com.
http://www.timesunion.com/default/article/Food-ready-to-eat-on-a-plate-It-s-taxable-1355952.php#ixzz1LVTtpIpR

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Customer Spotlight: Blue Duck Bakery Expands

The Blue Duck Bakery Café has been baking fine artisan breads, cakes, cookies, pies and pastries on Long Island's east end since 1999. Since their first location in Southampton opened its doors, business has continued to grow in both the retail and wholesale markets. In October of 2008 The Blue Duck expanded into their second location in Southhold, NY. Traditionally you would find their top quality products in the finest restaurants, markets and grocers up and down the east end. As of December 2010 you will also find nine varieties of amazing Blue Duck artisan breads on the shelves of Whole Foods markets all over Long Island and New York City.

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Congratulations to Keith and Nancy Kouris on their continued success!

For hundreds of bakeries like Blue Duck around the country, Empire is proud to be the source of state-of-the-art equipment! From energy efficient Stone Hearth Deck Ovens to versatile Rack Ovens, Spiral Mixers, Dough Production Equipment and more, Empire is proud to be a partner in your success!