A 'Netflix Tax'? Yes, and It's Already a Thing in Some States (usatoday.com)

An anonymous reader shares a report: Your monthly bill for Netflix, Amazon, Hulu and other streaming entertainment services could go up soon as states such as Illinois try to find ways to offset declining sales taxes and other revenue shortfalls. Chicago, Pennsylvania and Florida have already passed a so-called Netflix tax, and cities such as Pasadena, Calif. have broached the issue. These taxes can translate to additional fees of less than $1 each month to consumers. But over the months -- and tacked onto multiple streaming subscriptions -- they might add up to $50 or more each year. Netflix, consumer tax groups and tech trade organizations have voiced their opposition to such taxes, warning they can be unfair and deter innovation. Some opponents have initiated legal challenges, and at least one state has shelved plans after a court decision. But state and local governments aren't likely to halt fresh efforts as falling pay-TV subscriptions and video rentals mean there's less opportunity to tax cable bills or charge sales tax at the cash register.

Comments

This is what happens when you can't raise taxes

[rsilvergun]

on the rich. The government still needs money to run. And despite what the rich's media outlets tell you there's no magic 'government waste' to cut that makes the need for taxes go away. So you either start cutting essential services (fixing roads, police, fire dept, etc. Not listing schools, we already cut those) or you come up with taxes like these that target the working class.

The Working Class are the only ones with any money that don't have multi-billion dollar media empires and lobbying arms sticking up for them. The used to, we called those 'Unions' an shut them down because they got a little corrupt and so instead of fixing them we threw baby out with bathwater.

Re:This is what happens when you can't raise taxes

[Rockoon]

If I moved to where my job is I'd need a 500% raise to afford a mortgage or the rent.

The government is screwing you in multiple ways. Scarcity of housing is just one of the ways.

Whats your reaction? Who are you blaming? What do you intend to do about it?

Personally I vote. Every election. The one federal election every 4 years is the least of my concerns.

What discussions have you had with the most local politicians? Do you even know who your town council is? Do you even know what they do?