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Calling B.S. On Amazon's Taxation Arguments
theodp writes "Over at the Center on Budget and Policy Priorities, Michael Mazerov carefully picks apart Amazon's arguments against collecting sales taxes, arguing that they simply do not withstand scrutiny. While Amazon officials say collecting sales tax in every state would be excessively burdensome, Mazerov notes the e-tailer already collects sales tax in virtually every state for numerous other companies that sell on its website. Mazerov also finds it disingenuous for Amazon to argue that it should not have to help support public services in states in which it has no physical presence when the company fails to support public services in most of the states in which it does have a physical presence. Finally, Mazerov isn't buying Amazon's argument that its opposition to collecting sales tax is not driven by a desire to gain a price advantage over competitors, which he finds at odds with the company's own actions and SEC filings. By claiming sales-tax immunity, says Mazerov, Amazon has enjoyed an unfair 5%-10% price advantage over local retailers, while also depriving states and localities of hundreds of millions of dollars of legally due revenue each year."
You're an idiot, as evidenced by your belief in a mythical being.
First, the whole sales tax / use tax thing has been decided. Mail order / phone orders don't need to collect, so why do you think amazon should be singled out?
Second, is not just looking at a piece of paper. Ever try collecting sales tax in CA? There's a state, county, and in some cases local sales tax. We have 40 seperate rates for CA ALONE. It sucks time away every month as the rates can also change that quickly. All for a state where WE HAVE NO PHYSICAL PRESENSE. It should be the customers paying use tax, not us collecting sales tax.
(1) No. (2) Even if I was a smuggler, States can't collect tariffs per the U.S. Constitution.
(3) My refusal to pay New York taxes is no different than refusing to pay Canada's tax or the UK's VAT. Foreigners are not subject to taxation unless they set foot inside the foreign government's border (which I have not done). I'm living 300 miles away from New York and not a NY subject
"I disapprove of what you say, but I will defend to the death your right to say it." - historian Evelyn Beatrice Hall
(Score:-1, Troll)
Thanks. I can't believe all the people on this forum who think it's okay to be taxed by A STATE WHERE YOU DO NOT LIVE. What's next? Am I supposed to collect and pay a Sales tax to France or Germany when their citizens buy my Ebay or Amazon goods???
"I disapprove of what you say, but I will defend to the death your right to say it." - historian Evelyn Beatrice Hall
How is this modded interesting? WAAAAAA I hate taxes. The response is 'interesting'? Why not just say 'grow up and be part of society'? Do you want to get rid of scientific research? Has that not been as valuable at the free market in increasing our standard of living? Communists with science are more effective than capitalists without. Perhaps we should do without public health services or sanitation? I would rather pay taxes that endure Hobson's 'nasty, brutish and short' life before there were modern sewers or modern medicine. Perhaps we can forget the police, if you want protection, lets just rely on rent-a-cops or organized crime. Maybe we should get rid of paved roads? Public schools can be private: Why do I care if my co-workers can do basic arithmetic? I think that I can be more effective in a society where I can count on others being educated. I don't need the fire department at least 99% of the time, should I be willing to cut that 99% percent of the time?
Think global, act loco