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End of the Internet's Tax-Free Ride?

News.com has a piece looking at renewed efforts by both state and federal lawmakers to subject Internet sales to state taxes. "Two bills are pending in Congress that would allow tax collectors to target out-of-state Internet and mail-order retailers, and their supporters are optimistic about their political prospects... Meanwhile, pro-tax states are trying their own ways to circumvent a long-standing rule saying a retailer must have physical presence before it can be forced to collect taxes. One effort came from New York state, where legislators recently approved a measure requiring Amazon and other online retailers (that lack a physical presence in the state) to collect sales tax on New Yorkers' purchases... This is not exactly a new debate... But now, with a Democratic Congress and a potentially Democratic administration next year, the arguments may gain more political traction."

4 of 426 comments (clear)

  1. Great thinking guys by Dunbal · · Score: 0, Troll

    Every economist will tell you that a recession/economic downturn is the BEST time to bring out a new tax (yes it's called sarcasm). Hey, ask Maggie Thatcher - it sure helped to put a lot of British out of work in the 80's. Recession? RAISE tax and reduce the people's disposable income even further. Joe Sixpack is struggling to pay his gas, credit cards and probably can't afford to keep/refinance his mortgage. Let's make him give the government some of his internet moneh.

    Another great idea from the people you idiots keep voting for. And I'm not your guy, friend.

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    Seven puppies were harmed during the making of this post.
  2. Re:Fantastic by omeomi · · Score: 0, Troll

    If they need the money, why don't they just roll back the Bush tax cuts that don't benefit me because I'm not rich and keep the Internet tax free because it benefits everyone who buys or sells things online

  3. Holy fuck by aztektum · · Score: 1, Troll

    Best comments ever

    It occurs to me that our economy may be in a bit better shape if, you know, we paid less in taxes and had that money spend on frivolous shit. I suppose either way it ends up in some fat cats pockets (via government contracts or purchase of goods, what's the diff how they get it, so long as they get it!)

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    :: aztek ::
    No sig for you!!
  4. Re:Tax and spend! by danudwary · · Score: 0, Troll

    And, clearly, the last 7 years have proven that we can be a presence there without fighting.

    As long as we are there there will be a fight. And an expensive one at that.