Verizon has no control over taxes.  Your state and federal government representatives are the folks you should speak to about that.

Does your phone come with a WiFi hotspot?  If so, you might want to consider just paying cash up front for a tablet at Walmart, and linking the WiFi to the 4G from your phone.  Then you won't be saddled with the additional line charge and associated taxes.  Basic tablets run around $100, and you might get a better deal than that if you can catch one on sale.

Renting to own is more expensive, but that's because you're paying for convenience.