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New York to Implement an 'Amazon Tax'

Posted by ScuttleMonkey on from the death-and-taxes dept.

theodp writes "NY Governor David Paterson is expected to sign a bill requiring online retailers to collect sales taxes on purchases shipped to the state, even if they have no operations or employees working there. The so-called 'Amazon tax', which applies to Internet retailers who derive sales through affiliate programs, would end what for many New Yorkers had been tax-free shopping and generate an estimated $50M in revenue this fiscal year. Experts predict that other states could follow suit with similar provisions."

2 of 411 comments (clear)

  1. Re:they can pass it all they want... by flyingsquid · · Score: 5, Funny
    How exactly has that stopped the government from doing whatever the hell it wants for the last decade or so? Just raise the specter of national security and every judge in the country (especially the Supreme Court) will roll over as always. Just say that the tax revenues go to anti-terrorism activities, or that the taxation is a way of regulating and controlling what comes into the state, to make sure it's not contraband.

    If we don't pass this law, then terrorists will be able to buy books and other goods tax-free. It is highly probable that terrorist cells operating in New York will need to order books and electronics from online vendors. Taxing these sales means that it will now cost terrorists 8.4% more each time they order terrorism-related materials from Amazon, dealing a serious blow to Al Qaeda's finances. Imagine how furious Bin Laden will be when he sees that his sleeper cells have gone over their budget.

  2. Re:they can pass it all they want... by frankm_slashdot · · Score: 4, Funny

    you sir, are supporting your argument with valid examples and precedents...

    what the fuck are you doing here on /.

    hehehe, nice work.
    - FJM