TRAFFORD, Pa. -- You might want to double-check your total before making your next purchase on the Internet. It appears a major retailer located in the Pittsburgh region has been inadvertently charging sales tax on some online items that should be tax-free.

Unlike other states, Pennsylvania does not charge sales tax on most articles of clothing -- but when Harvey Rosenblum ordered some shoes online from Dick's Sporting Goods, he was charged tax anyway.

"I think it's wrong, especially with the economy today," Rosenblum said. "To be paying extra is really bad."

The Dick's store closest to his Trafford home was sold out of his favorite pair of shoes, so Rosenblum bought them on the company's Web site.

After confirming his order, he said he noticed a $6 charge for Pennsylvania sales tax, even though sneakers are tax-exempt in Pennsylvania.

"Are people paying for something that they shouldn't?" Rosenblum asked.

Call 4 Action's Aaron Saykin did some shopping on the Dick's Web site and found sales tax charges for a handful of other sneakers.

After notifying the Findlay-based company about the problem, a Dick's representative called it an isolated coding error caused by the fact that, in Pennsylvania, other specialty sports shoes like cleats are not tax-exempt.

The spokesperson added, "Less than one-tenth of 1 percent of our sales were affected. The codes are being fixed ... And we will issue refunds automatically."

An hour after Call 4 Action's conversation with Dick's, Rosenblum said he received his refund.

When it comes to online shopping, sales tax can be complicated. Different states have different laws.

Some retailers don't charge tax on items that should be taxed, which, technically, makes it your responsibility to pay the state.

But, shipping charges are taxable.

If you're having a similar problem, you can recover the money from the state Department of Revenue by calling its hotline at 717-787-1064.

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