Is The Mall of America Tax Free?

July 11, 2025

UPDATE: AS OF OCTOBER 1, 2023, SALES TAX RATE HAS INCREASED 1% AT MALL OF AMERICA. TOTAL COMBINED TAX RATE IS NOW 8.525%!

I get asked this question all the time. Many people believe the Mall of America in Bloomington, Minnesota (suburban Minneapolis/St. Paul) offers tax-free shopping at stores and restaurants. The short answer is “no.”

Sales at the Mall of America are subject to a sales tax rate of 8.525%. This breaks down as follows: 6.875% Minnesota state sales tax, 1.00% metro transit sales tax (up from .25%), new .25% “affordable housing” tax, and .40% Hennepin County sales tax which funds the Minnesota Twins stadium and Target Field. In addition, alcoholic beverages are subject to an additional 5.5% tax: 2.5% additional Minnesota state sales tax on liquor, plus a 3% “drink tax” which is levied by the City of Bloomington.

The myth about the Mall of America being tax-free likely stems from the fact that sales of clothing and footwear are exempt from all state and local sales taxes. This is true everywhere in Minnesota, not just at MOA. There is no dollar limit on this exemption: a $2 pair of socks and a $1,000 custom tailored suit are both free of tax. Since all surrounding states and Canadian provinces tax both clothes and shoes, the Mall of America becomes an attractive regional shopping destination. This is especially true during July and August for back to school shopping, then again in November and December for Christmas and holiday shopping.

Groceries are also exempt from sales tax in Minnesota. This can get tricky, however. Candy and soda pop are taxed, as are all restaurant meals. Legally, the tax applies to “prepared” foods. So, if you buy a frozen burrito from a convenience store, it is not taxed. But if you heat it up in the microwave before leaving the store, it is then “prepared” and thus subject to sales tax. Candy is taxed while cookies are not. Here’s my favorite: if you buy vegetables in a grocery store, they are not taxed. But if you purchase those same vegetables from the store’s salad bar and use them to make yourself a salad, it is then considered “prepared food” and subject to sales tax. Confused? Me too!

Back to tax free shopping at the Mall of America: the general rule to remember is that clothes and shoes are not taxed. Everything else is. Have a great time and enjoy your Twin Cities shopping vacation!

McDonald’s July App Offers 1/2 Price Nuggets

July 11, 2025

Welcome to July, McDonald’s deal lovers! This month, BOGO Double Cheeseburgers and 6pc Chicken McNuggets top the list of app-only promotions! As always, offers vary by geographic region, so be sure to check your app before heading to the restaurant.

This month, there are 9 inflation-fighting McDonald’s mobile app offers awaiting your arrival:

– FREE Double Cheeseburger or 6pc Chicken McNuggets when you buy one (valid once per day)
– 50% off McChicken or Hot ‘n Spicy McChicken (valid once per day)
– Buy One Breakfast Sandwich, add one for $1.00 (valid once per day)
– $1.29 any size fries (valid once per day)
– $9.99 20pc Chicken McNuggets Bundle (valid once per day)
– 20% off any purchase of $11.00 or more (valid once per day, not valid with any other offer)
– $6.00 Select Medium Combo Meal (valid once per day)
– $5.00 off any purchase of $20 or more (excludes tax)
– FREE Medium Fries with minimum purchase of $1.00 (excludes tax)

All of these deals are available exclusively on McDonald’s Mobile App. Limit 1 per person per day at participating restaurants. Specific promotional offers may vary by location.

I will keep watching to see if 2 for $6 or a similar offer returns. As soon as I receive further information, this page will be updated. Be sure to check back often! Most McDonald’s restaurants will be open holiday hours on Labor Day (Monday, September 1.)

Pizza Hut $24.99 Big Dinner Box Pizza Pasta Wings

July 11, 2025

INFLATION ALERT: The price of this Pizza Hut promotion has recently increased from $22.99 to $24.99 at most locations.

Pizza Hut has brought back the Big Dinner Box! This time, you get to customize your Big Dinner Box just the way you like:

– 2 medium 1-topping pizzas, 5 breadsticks and sauce, plus your choice of pasta
– 2 medium 1-topping pizzas, 5 breadsticks and sauce, 8 boneless wings
– 2 medium 1-topping pizzas, 5 breadsticks and sauce, 6 traditional wings
– 3 medium 1-topping pizzas

Whichever combo you choose, the $24.99 Pizza Hut Big Dinner Box is an inflation-fighting deal you’re sure to appreciate!

Offer available for a limited time at participating restaurants. Price may be slightly higher in certain markets. Traditional wings may not be available at some locations. Most Pizza Huts will be open holiday hours on Labor Day (Monday, September 1.)

Cheap Eats at the Mall of America? Try IKEA!

July 11, 2025

Are you visiting the Mall of America in Bloomington, Minnesota and looking for a place to enjoy breakfast, lunch, or dinner? Good news: the Mall of America has just about every type of restaurant food imaginable. Bad news: the prices typically range from high to outrageous at many of these eating establishments.

Located directly adjacent to MOA, IKEA is best known for their unique furniture and other household goods. But did you know IKEA also has a restaurant? The food is quite good and VERY inexpensive! IKEA thinks that if you can be lured into the store with a rock-bottom meal deal, you may leave with $500 worth of home furnishings. Let this work to your advantage!

You’ll find IKEA located directly north of the Mall of America. Although not connected to the Mall, it is right next door. You can walk over in a few minutes, eat, then walk back and resume your shopping at the “Mega Mall.” Take the money you saved and use it to buy a souvenir to remember your visit to Minnesota AND the great dining deal you got at IKEA!

Logan’s $10.99 American Roadhouse Meals

July 11, 2025

INFLATION ALERT: The price of this Logan’s Roadhouse promotion has recently increased from $9.99 to $10.99 at most locations.

Logan’s Roadhouse American Roadhouse Meals promotion gives you a full meal for just $10.99! Available every day of the week from 3:00-6:00PM. Choose from 8 delicious entrées:

– Steak Tips
– Chopped Steak
– Grilled Meatloaf
– Piled Up Pork Plate
– BBQ Grilled Pork Chop
– Bayou Popcorn Shrimp
– Wood-Grilled Chicken
– Hand-Breaded Chicken Tenders

Each order comes with your choice of two side items:

– Roadhouse Rice
– Green Beans
– Corn
– Mashed Potatoes
– Fries

You can’t lose with Logan’s Roadhouse! Enjoy their American Roadhouse Meals for just $10.99 each. No coupon required. Offer available at participating restaurants. Most Logan’s Roadhouse locations will be open holiday hours on Labor Day (Monday, September 1.)