New Federal Government Stance on Internet Taxes

Aatif writes, " According to this story on the Washington Post, President Clinton is softening his stance against Internet taxation. Mr. Clinton said the federal government would not interfere with individual states collecting sales taxes on goods sold over the Internet even though Congress is still under a tax moratorium." From what I've heard, my state (Maryland) and all the others are thinking up ways to tax Internet sales. It's only a matter of time before they figure out how, like it or not.

Comments

Whats in it for ME?

[thales]

I am starting an Internet business, and I would like to know what services states I don't live in are going to offer me in return forcing me to be a tax collector for them? Nothing. How much do they plan on reimbursing me for the costs of collecting the taxes? Nothing.
I keep hearing about the so called advantage no taxes gives me, but what about the advantages a local merchant has over me? His customers can leave the store with the product today. Mine have to wait at least a day for shipping, longer if they don't want to spring for overnight air. His customers don't have to pay for shipping, mine do.
Then there's the biggest advantage of all. SERVICE. There is no way in hell I can offer the kind of service a knowledgeable salesperson, that is speaking directally to a customer, can offer. His customers can get an answer in seconds. Mine have to e-mail me and wait for a reply.
Businesses with good customer service have nothing to fear from the internet. Businesses that hire high-school dropouts that can barely run a cash register are the ones in danger. Any local merchant who can't compete with the advantages he allready has desreves to go bankrupt.