Is an Internet Sales Tax Coming Soon?
March 4, 2009 – 9:34 pmThis was in my eBay in-box today. I know of no specific legislation pending on this topic, but the telephone book-size bills floating around Congress, not to mention state legislative activity, must be enough to give eBay pause.
Tell Congress, “No New Net Taxes”
Internet Sales Taxes–Your costs go up. Your buyers’ costs go up. You are required to comply with the same tax laws as the nation’s largest retailers. This scenario could soon become reality.
The sales tax laws governing today’s Internet and catalog retailers are simple: If you sell something to a person living in your state, you collect sales tax. If that customer doesn’t live in your state, you don’t collect the tax. However, a number of state governments and the biggest retail giants in America are planning an aggressive lobbying campaign to change the law. They want to require small retailers to operate like the biggest retail chains, collecting taxes everywhere.
We all know times are tough and state governments are looking for more tax money. Likewise, big retailers see an opportunity to gain a competitive edge by imposing new costs and higher prices on their smallest competitors. Luckily, the tax ground-rules can’t be changed without congressional action. There’s still time to stand up and be counted. If you think adding a new tax burden on small Internet retailers is a bad idea, now is the time to make your voice heard. Click here to send a letter to your U.S. Representative and Senators today.
It won’t be easy. But together, Internet retailers like you can stop these new taxes.
Sincerely,
Tod Cohen
VP and Deputy General Counsel, Government Relations
2 Responses to “Is an Internet Sales Tax Coming Soon?”
You know what is really disgusting and has some twisted irony? They think that our money is rightfully the government’s. You fair warning is amplified by Congress’ drooling lust to “shut down off-shore banking”. How DARE people attempt to hide their money from Uncle Sugar!!
By Nik on Mar 4, 2009
Since the Internet will probably be the Obama administration’s most fierce watchdog, I am not surprised that this tax is being considered. Obama wants to destroy the opposition by any means possible. I will make it a point to contact my representatives about how this tax will impede profits….and, hence, future donations to THEM.
By Mutnodjmet on Mar 5, 2009