Several Henrico businesses incorrectly charge Richmond’s newly-imposed plastic bag tax

HENRICO COUNTY, Va. (WRIC) -- After the city of Richmond's new 5-cent tax on disposable plastic bags went into effect on New Year's Day, customers at several Henrico County businesses were incorrectly charged for the tax.

On Jan. 1, 2026, a new ordinance by the city of Richmond went into effect requiring businesses to charge a 5-cent tax on disposable plastic bags, except in certain cases. This citywide ordinance applies only to stores within Richmond, but not in Henrico County.

The ordinance’s primary goal is to reduce litter throughout the city, according to officials.

Matt Chafin, Henrico County's deputy director, confirmed to 8News on Monday, Jan. 5, that the county received multiple reports from residents who said they were charged a 5-cent tax at stores throughout Henrico County.

He confirmed that the stores included a few Walmart, CVS and Dollar Tree locations in Henrico County, among others.

PREVIOUSLY: Richmond shoppers could soon be paying for disposable plastic bags

On Friday, Jan. 2, hours after hearing the first reports of the error, Chafin said Henrico County Finance sent out inspectors to confirm the reports and instruct stores to stop collecting the tax since they are located in Henrico County rather than the city.

All but one of those businesses reportedly said they do not have control over tax calculations at their store, and that they are administered by their corporation's main office.

The singular business that was able to correct the bag tax right away is locally owned and operated, according to Chafin, and confirmed that they would provide funds to any customers who were incorrectly charged for the tax.

Henrico's inspector asked for contact information for those responsible for the tax calculations and will continue to follow up until the situation is resolved.

Chafin said the county is working with the Virginia Department of Taxation, as Richmond's plastic bag tax is administered as part of the state retailer's sales and use tax return.

Customers who believe they were incorrectly charged a plastic bag tax in Henrico County cam call the county's Business Section at 804-501-4310 or visit the county's website.

8News has reached out to Walmart, CVS and Dollar Tree regarding the issue.

In response, a spokesperson for Walmart said the issue, which reportedly occurred at three of its Henrico stores, had been resolved, and shared the following statement:

Some customers shopping at Walmart locations in Henrico County on Brook Rd, Forest Ave and N Parham Rd might have been mistakenly charged for Richmond City’s new 5-cent tax on disposable plastic bags starting Jan. 1, 2026. We’re providing refunds to customers in those cases. Walmart spokesperson

CVS and Dollar Tree have not yet responded, as of reporting.

8News has also contacted the Virginia Department of Taxation to learn about resolution efforts.

This is a developing story, stay with 8News for updates.