A bill is expected to be introduced to Congress this week that would force retailers like eBay and Amazon.com to start collecting sales taxes on behalf of states from people who shop online or through mail order.
It’s not a new effort: Attempts to close the online tax “loophole” have been going on for at least a decade.
But supporters of the bill think Congress may finally give in to their demands because of their own pressure to lend support to financially battered state governments.
In other words, the unsuccessful, 10 year old effort to force internet retailers to collect sales taxes looks likely to pass now not because it suddenly makes sense but because our big fat government needs more of our money. Sort of the same reasoning behind every tax increase we have ever endured.
Shame on Senator Mike Enzi, (R-WYO) and Congressman Bill Delahunt (D-MA), the sponsors of this coming bill. Nothing like a bi-partisan money grab.
Call your Congresspersons and Senators. Better yet, Skype them while it is still free.
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3 Comments
April 20, 2009 at 4:53 pm
So, is this new tax intended to close a consumer loophole, stop what some see as an evil addiction, punish those who try to save money, or is it an an attempt to fleece the American people once againWell, Congress is remiss to close loopholes on themselves, so that can’t be the reason. Online shopping… well, I don’t think that qualifies as an addiction. The idea of punishing cost conscious consumers is contrary to the Obama plan…you know, spending money to help the economy, so that can’t be it. That leaves just one thing… government hands in our pockets once again.
When will enough, be enough? With the current crop of thieves in office, it will never be enough. Their time seems to spent trying to find innovative ways to tax us, or in finding ways for themselves to avoid paying taxes, while at the same time ensuring they stay in power. How difficult would it be to throw a monkey wrench in to their plans? If this bill is passed, and signed by Obama, we’ll need to stop buying online. My appologies to the online merchants, but you better make plans to find another source of income. Perhaps, a barter system? Some tell me the left has used this system for quite some time, and is regarded as “the underground economy.”
When will America wake up, and take this country back from the power brokers who want to control everything we do, think, make, and earn?
Just look at how much they jack up prices here:
http://tinyurl.com/csb47v
April 21, 2009 at 9:53 am
The only thing I can think of that might be good to come from this tax is it will be a “fair tax” one that will not only tax the “right-wing” extremists:) but it will also tax the “left-wing extremists”. Who needs to shop online anyway? Although for me I save gas and time by buying on-line. But, if I don’t really need something, I will think twice before buying it online.
When ever a government puts an additional tax on specific items i.e., NC $1.00 plus the Feds .61 per pack of cigarettes, Oregon’s 2000% tax increase on beer and so on. I don’t smoke or drink but it is a proven fact that sin taxes back fire because people go across state lines to purchase items or quit smoking, the states fall short on the income predictions, and tax the people by increasing taxes to make up for the shortage.
I have a unique suggestion for the states and the federal government: Learn to Live Within Your Budget! Ok? We will just have to find people that are not power hungry, have OPM syndrome, and know how to run a business before they are voted into office.
p.s.OPM Syndrome: What elected officials get when they see all of that “Other Peoples Money” and treat us taxpayers like a no limit credit card. I think it’s time we stop them.
April 21, 2009 at 3:28 pm
Fantastic this is a win-win situation.
State governments get the money they need and can say no to the stimulus bill.
Plus taxes on internet purchases will force people to support local businesses with locally employed folks who then return the money to the community!
Pass it! Pass it!
We can all agree that supporting local independent small businesses makes the most sense, can’t we?