Taxes are a tricky subject but here's the rationale: consumers must pay tax on Internet orders if the company from which you are buying does business in your state. Your purchase of a SodaStream sparkling water maker includes a SodaStream carbonating cylinder, which is supplied by SodaStream against payment of a "User License." This is a fancy legal way of saying that the carbonating cylinder remains the property of SodaStream in accordance with the terms and conditions stated in the User License Certificate. Still with us?Good. Because SodaStream retains ownership of the carbonating cylinder, technically SodaStream does business in every state. When you shop at sodastream.com, or place an order through our customer service, you are assessed the normal rate of sales tax for your state.