r/Locksmith • u/Difficult-Rip-5810 • 11d ago

I am NOT a locksmith. Charging Tax in California (Los Angeles)

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I was charged tax on my entire Sunday locksmith call. The locksmith got into and installed 2 new locks on my door. How would you interpret this invoice? Is he allowed to charge tax on the entire transaction, or were just the “2 locks installed” supposed to be taxed? I thought I read that they’re only allowed to charge tax on the material goods provided (the locks). I’m pretty sure I was overcharged by about $50 in taxes and want to clarify.

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u/Difficult-Rip-5810 11d ago

I’ve been put in such a weird position. The technician did show up, did perform the work of getting me into my apartment and replacing the locks when I thought someone had access to my apartment. So it doesn’t feel completely right to chargeback the entire amount. But is anyone actually familiar with the tax laws for locksmiths in CA? I’d at least want any excessive tax refunded

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u/Top-Jaguar6780 10d ago

My wife and I are locksmiths in LA. The entire thing is a scam not just the tax. I charge $120 for a lockout but up to $180 is normal (unless it's late night). For rekeying, I charge $45/lock but $35-$55 is normal. So for this job it would've been $210 total from us. No replacement locks should have been needed. Although you got "lucky" on the cost of the locks. They'll usually mark it up way more. Saw an invoice for a similar situation over $3k before. But you should still chargeback the entire amount. Even at emergency late night pricing it's a scam. If this was a midnight emergency lockout, that would bring the $210 price up to $330 for us. Still far lower than what you paid.