Congressional Week Busy With Internet Sales Tax

Jul 26, 2012 | Susan McLain

Things are beginning to get moving with Internet Sales Tax bills in Congress. Which one should move forward? Which one is the most supported? Which one will “win” the battle of the bills?

This week, PRNewswire reports that “…yesterday the Judiciary Committee held a hearing on H.R. 3179, the Marketplace Equity Act, a similar bill [to the Marketplace Fairness Act, S. 1832] to modernize the current 20 year old sales tax collection policy.”

The hearing “…highlighted that there is widespread bipartisan support for sales tax fairness for all retailers and that there is a need to add the Marketplace Equity Act to the list of legislation to be addressed this year.” Statements were provided by the bipartisan bill sponsors, Steve Womack (R-AR) and Jackie Speier (D-CA).

Governor Bill Haslam, a longtime supporter of a federal solution for Internet-only retailers, “…stressed that the discussion isn’t about raising taxes or adding new taxes. It’s about states having the flexibility and authority to collect taxes that are already owed by their own in-state residents.”

A letter from a business owner in Congressman King’s Iowa district indicated that his out-of-state Internet competitor is being allowed to use the “…state of Iowa’s sales tax money to compete…” with him.

The International Council of Shopping Centers (ICSC) president and CEO, Michael Kercheval said, “…there is a real bipartisan desire to end the practice whereby the government picks winners and losers in the marketplace. We urge the Senate Commerce committee to build on the growing momentum to level the playing field for all retailers across the country.” He indicated that he was “…encouraged by the hearing by the House Judiciary committee…” and “…applauds the Senate Commerce Committee for scheduling a hearing on S. 1832, the Marketplace Fairness Act….”

The House committee/subcommittee held hearings July 24, 2012. Click here for a printable version of HR 3179.

A hearing has been scheduled August 1, 2012 for the Marketplace Fairness Act. Click here for a printable version of S 1832.

Don't worry, don't stress about tax. Relax. Technology today has delivered solutions that meet the challenges of Internet sales tax. Learn more at www.avalara.com or call 877-780-4848 today and ask how your sales tax worries can be taken away.

Sales tax rates, rules, and regulations change frequently. Although we hope you'll find this information helpful, this blog is for informational purposes only and does not provide legal or tax advice.

Avalara Author

Susan McLain

Avalara Author Susan McLain

Susan McLain began her career as a technical writer in technology industries such as satellite networking and medical devices. Her skills encompass technical and marketing writing, usability engineering, verification and validation testing and protocol writing, requirements development, business analysis, technical illustration/graphic design and marketing. She has owned her own business providing service to small to medium sized business and in other positions, she has been in project management, documentation and marketing. She is currently the content specialist for Avalara helping to “make sales tax less taxing.”