PONTE VEDRA BEACH, Fla. — They're stylish, trendy and oftentimes -- life saving.
That's why CEO and Founder of Survival Straps Kurt Walchle enjoys giving away his product to charity. A new audit may make him pay for that -- literally.
"It can equate to tens of thousands of dollars in stuff that's donated," he said.
The audit found a law on the books that requires Survival Straps to pay the sales and use tax on products they've handed out.
It's a big blow, especially before the holidays.
"We did go through a big healthcare increase for all of our employees this year and then all of a sudden -- you get hit with this," Walchle continued.
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Survival Straps are fun to wear, but can also be unraveled in emergency situations. A bystander in the Boston Marathon bombings, even used the rope to make a tourniquet for an injured woman.
Walchle believes the surprise tax is unfair and almost dis-incentivizes companies to do the right thing. Regardless, he says they won't stop donating to soldiers, but warns business owners to be mindful.
"You really have to think about how you're going to do things and the consequences you're going to pay for donating to charity."
If you're looking for that perfect stocking stuffer, now is the time to buy a survival strap. They'll certainly need the extra business. You can find them on www.survivalstraps.com.
The CEO tells Action News they don't have much time. The sales tax must be paid by the end of the year.
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