One of the more interesting things about buying products on the Internet may soon cease to exist. Legislators are expected to introduce bills that would create an Internet sales tax, making it less advantageous for consumers to order things online and save a few bucks.
If the bill passes, it could provide a huge boost to some small businesses; imagine some little shop that's trying to sell CDs getting put on more equal footing with Amazon. Small businesses that carry big items might do even better. Order something like a TV online and you've got to really worry about shipping times and the thing getting broken, after all.
But a lot of small businesses might also lose out due to an Internet sales tax. Online-only small businesses probably depend on the pricing edge to some degree. Plus there would just be the added nuisance of having one more thing to keep track of.
This is something that small business owners should definitely keep an eye on, then. Consider writing your representatives to let them know how you feel about the issue. (More information's available here if you need to brush up first.)
But it's not at all certain that an Internet tax will come into existence, so don't get too worked up and dedicate all your spare time to writing letters just yet.
Save Your Customers Money, Get Them to Spend More with YouShocker: Taxes Hinder Small Biz GrowthSelling Online? Don't Forget Taxes.NASE Asks Congress For Simpler Tax Code, FormsTake Advantage of E-Commerce Spending GrowthHow Much Money are you Throwing Away on Wasted Time?eCommerce, Business Blogging, SEO, and Marketing: Tips and ToolsIs That Really How You Want to Save Money?Need Money Quick? Read On…Saving Money is a Huge Concern
 | |||
| Do you have a business site? Submit your business related site FREE! | |||
| |||
Submit Your Article
Advertise
Newsletter
Comments
Never any sales tax for my shoppers...
I'm located in Delaware so any customers who shop at my safety and security web site will never pay any taxes since we are a sales tax free state. Even so, I'd be glad to write a few letter. It's just wrong to tax internet sales.
Internet sales tax
I'm sure the small business owners who sell online and use my small business finance websitewould love an Internet sales tax. I'm also sure consumers who buy on the Internet would think twice before purchasing.
Who wants tax?
Another Way To Get Into Our Pockets!
An Internet sales tax is just another revenue stream for the government. It has no benefit to sellers or buyers whatsoever. Anyone who claims a benefit is deluded or has a hidden agenda.
I live in Pennsylvania. The sales tax here is 6%. That's more than many businesses make in profit annually. In effect, the government becomes a business partner and takes their cut off the top without having any risk or investment.
Every politician should be wearing a ski mask when they vote for this because it's plain and simple robbery.
Jim DeSantis
AnswersPlusInfo
Maybe it isn't fair but
Maybe it isn't fair but neither is it fair to me having to pay sales taxes and them not. If all sales taxes were eliminated, that would be fair but how soon do you think that will happen. My biggest complaint is after people receive their internet goodies at discount prices, they come to me to learn how to operate or assemble their goods. Why not ask who you bought it from? Reno McCormick
This is a reporting nightmare!!
This will put small businesses out of business. The person running the small business will need to be completely up to date on the sales tax laws in every state. Each state has their own set of rules for how much to collect and then when and how to pay each state. Many states require manual reporting with specific forms, many are online (so the user will need to set up 50 different accounts). The small business will be forced to generate reports from their accounting methods and create reports or the necessary forms for each state then and pay the sales tax collected every month, quarter, or whatever is needed for each state. This will absolutely be a full time job for any small business.
Anyone who thinks a small two or three person business can do this and stay in business is nuts.
Sales Tax
And what is government going to do to benefit the owners of an online business.
The purpose of a sales tax is to provide benefits to the public. In the case of offline stores, that includes roads, streetlights, police protection, and a host of other municipal benefits that are provided to businesses.
Just what the heck can the government provide in cyberspace. Obviously not security since government agencies and public computers are being hacked daily and records stolen.
This is nothing but another "power grab"...since we are already being taxed by the state to the tune of about 30% on our phone lines which run the internet.
States have to provide something in return for the tax - it cannot simply be applied to make up for their idiocy and the fact they have bankrupted themselves with their idiotic spending and government programs.
Any representative of mine that votes for it I will actively campaign against online and drive their sorry butts out of office.
It's time to put these public bureaucrats on notice, it's we the people that run the country, not these stupid bumbling slimy politicians that hold themselves above the law, are corrupt as a 3 time convicted felon, and think they can do anything they wish without ramifications.
It's time for politicians to remember their place - PUBLIC SERVANTS - it's us that have the stick, not them. They are not our lords and masters.
Internet Sales Tax
I sell books through Amazon. I don't have a lot of sales in my home state of Georgia, but there are some. I am supposed to collect sales for these sales, but Amazon will not collect for me so I have to back out the tax, which actually means that I am paying the sales tax, not the customer. But, I don't know how else I can be compliant with the tax rules. Since Georgia has many counties, figuring out the sales tax is a long process.
I agree that having to figure it out for multiple states would be an absolute nightmare!! What if we had one low tax rate (maybe 2% or 3%) for every internet purchase? The government could then find a fair way to divide the money among the states. This would make life much easier for small internet business and more fair to local retailers.
Post new comment