Interview: Internet tax a states' rights issue

There is a political axiom; whatever you want less of, tax, whatever you want more of, subsidize.

Why do we tax profits and subsidize poverty, unions and big business?

There is a political axiom; whatever you want less of, tax, whatever you want more of, subsidize.

Why do we tax profits and subsidize poverty, unions and big business?

This isn't a tax on profits, it's a purchaser-paid sales tax. As for taxing profits, what else would you tax?

There is a political axiom; whatever you want less of, tax, whatever you want more of, subsidize.
Why do we tax profits and subsidize poverty, unions and big business?

This isn't a tax on profits, it's a purchaser-paid sales tax. As for taxing profits, what else would you tax?

The Nerdy-dude, STRIKES again! (I'll bet his Nerdy-ness has pointed ears, green blood, and plays multi-level chess...any takers?)

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There is a political axiom; whatever you want less of, tax, whatever you want more of, subsidize.

Why do we tax profits and subsidize poverty, unions and big business?

This isn't a tax on profits, it's a purchaser-paid sales tax. As for taxing profits, what else would you tax?

I guess I should of said business activity. I suppose we want more of most kinds of business activity.

I don't know, actually. I think I'd tax imports from countries that don't have the OSHA/Healthcare/Environmental/wage burden that US businesses have. I'd tax exports of strategic materials (like lumber, coal, NatGas) and food. I'd implement user fees of every type.

But, more to the point, wasn't there a supreme court decision, long ago, that forbade states from collecting sales tax from sales made in another state?

There is a political axiom; whatever you want less of, tax, whatever you want more of, subsidize.
Why do we tax profits and subsidize poverty, unions and big business?

This isn't a tax on profits, it's a purchaser-paid sales tax. As for taxing profits, what else would you tax?

The Nerdy-dude, STRIKES again! (I'll bet his Nerdy-ness has pointed ears, green blood, and plays multi-level chess...any takers?)

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Yeah now the repub is entertaining regressive taxes. Proof again that torries aka conservatives have no core values beyond despotism and class warfare.

But, more to the point, wasn't there a supreme court decision, long ago, that forbade states from collecting sales tax from sales made in another state?

Must be those liberal activist judges who don't understand that corporations have feelings too, like greed.

Local taxes support local services such as police, fire, ambulance, none of which are needed by out of state purchases. Sorry, Enzi, you have the wrong solution to the wrong problem.

Some states have no sales taxes. Problem solved.

Tax the churches. Cut the military in half and abolish the Federal Reserve banksters. That will save a trillion dollars yearly. More than enough to quadruple entitlement programs and build a new America.

Funny how he wants to call it a States Rights issue when it is an Interstate Trade issue. I guess a Republican Senator just has to lie about it when his State needs the money.

I have nothing against the bill. This law or something like it is needed. It is just that the claim that it is States Rights is pure bullshit. If you have to lie to support you ideology it is time to change your ideology.

Ethelred

Yeah now the repub is entertaining regressive taxes. Proof again that torries aka conservatives have no core values beyond despotism and class warfare.

-kochevik

It is really startling how ill-informed you are, even for a commie.

Since you're so fascinated with (and envious of) America, I'll fill you in:

This is NOT about any NEW tax AT ALL. Currently, sales tax must be paid on purchases in almost all States and in many localities as well. These taxes are due at the time of purchase.

However, the internet has created a strange situation where an individual is supposed to purchase the item, pay no sales tax (for most retailers), and then LATER personally CLAIM THE SALES TAX on our income tax returns.

The problem is, most people find it to be a real pain, and don't bother to write down every transaction, and remember to pay the tax later.

A proposal has been made that would just require the online retailers to collect it as well.

MANY ALREADY DO THIS!

But, more to the point, wasn't there a supreme court decision, long ago, that forbade states from collecting sales tax from sales made in another state?

Taxes would not be collected -- or even touched -- by the State. The retailer would collect it online just as many already do. And, as ALL do at the point of sale.

The proposal -- not a new one, btw, it's been made a few dozen times -- would force ALL retailers online to collect it.

Here's the interesting part, though: all retailers would then have to go through the HUGE burden of having 50 state tax files, who-knows-how-many municipality (1000s at least) tax files, etc., and makes sure it's perfectly calculated. Then, after collection, is turned over to all those states and municipalities.

Pretty easy stuff for Wal-Mart. But, "Sue's Homemade Bonnets" or whatever would be facing a severe problem. It would probably put a few thousand companies out of business overnight.

Tax the churches. Cut the military in half and abolish the Federal Reserve banksters. That will save a trillion dollars yearly. More than enough to quadruple entitlement programs and build a new America.

Yeah, except about 90% of us believe quadrupling entitlement programs would be the stupidest move possible. Nice try. Please play again.

Tax the churches. Cut the military in half and abolish the Federal Reserve banksters. That will save a trillion dollars yearly. More than enough to quadruple entitlement programs and build a new America.

Yeah, except about 90% of us believe quadrupling entitlement programs would be the stupidest move possible. Nice try. Please play again.

Sure because entitlements are only 13% of spending. But you prefer expanding your fascist New World Order empire for the despotic banksters and your Nazi Pope while rotting your country from within. The very entitlements and programs which invented your computer, the Internet, and your ability to form a complete sentence. For the sake of ensuring continued treachery putting a criminal class ahead of your neighbors.

This is NOT about any NEW tax AT ALL. Currently, sales tax must be paid on purchases in almost all States and in many localities as well. These taxes are due at the time of purchase.

Way to get the law wrong. Interstate sales aren't taxable by states because the sale is outside their jurisdiction. UCC laws come into play. The Internet is irrelevant. UCC concerns the way items have been sold since Sears shipped merchandise on the first railroad. So pathetic even I know that but you, a American, have no clue.

If I buy a gift for my mother in Florida where sales tax is 9% and I live in Oregon, where there is no sales tax, should the online retailer charge me a tax?

Sure because entitlements are only 13% of spending. But you prefer expanding your fascist New World Order empire for the despotic banksters and your Nazi Pope while rotting your country from within. The very entitlements and programs which invented your computer, the Internet, and your ability to form a complete sentence. For the sake of ensuring continued treachery putting a criminal class ahead of your neighbors.

Hmmm...crazy talk, but at least interesting.

1) You don't understand fascism. Please do some research before posting.

2) The Pope? Isn't he the guy in Italy?

3) NAZI - that's actually a term used mostly in reference to Germany under Hitler. That's ancient history my boy. Please do some more research.

4) My Momma taught me how to complete a sentence. And did a wonderful job of it. No entitlement program was necessary.

5) No, criminals go to jail. My neighbors are nice people I have over for dinner.

You played, you failed! Try again sir!

Way to get the law wrong. Interstate sales aren't taxable by states because the sale is outside their jurisdiction. UCC laws come into play. The Internet is irrelevant. UCC concerns the way items have been sold since Sears shipped merchandise on the first railroad. So pathetic even I know that but you, a American, have no clue.

Well, the problem with being a commie and a non-American is you probably aren't the best resource for U.S. tax law. On the other hand, as an American and a business owner, I might have a wee bit of useful knowledge.

You are discussing some issues above that are irrelevant in relation to this article and the topic at hand.

This is a simple matter of sales tax collections, and fixing a loophole in the ALREADY EXISTING law. Sorry you can't figure that out. But, who cares if you do? You don't even live here. Now, please crawl back under your rock.

If I buy a gift for my mother in Florida where sales tax is 9% and I live in Oregon, where there is no sales tax, should the online retailer charge me a tax?

Yes and, in fact, they already do in many cases. If your State doesn't have a sales tax, then that tax will be zero percent. However, in many U.S. localities there is a municipal sales tax. Some of these are being collected or discussed for future integration with the State for convenience.

Where they are not collected at present, YOU are responsible for recording the transaction and paying it on your tax return. Not sure how you file taxes but, if you use software or an online app, this question will come up and has for several years now.

When we're asked "how much sales tax do you wish to declare", most of us are typing "zero".

Each and every U S senator should know the U S constitution is the supreame law but they think they are entitled to make laws that violate the constitution. Until the constitution is amended in this area it is illeagal for one state to charge duty, tax, ect on goods from another state. Will the good senator also endorse other crimes?

Taxes are the most overused power of the government. It's sold and pawned off to the people as the easy fix for everything.

Each and every U S senator should know the U S constitution is the supreame law but they think they are entitled to make laws that violate the constitution. Until the constitution is amended in this area it is illeagal for one state to charge duty, tax, ect on goods from another state. Will the good senator also endorse other crimes?

Wow, does anyone EVER read anything before they post? This has nothing to do with violating the constitution, amending the constitution, or anything at all regarding the constitution. It does not impact current law regarding interstate commerce. In fact, the States themselves have virtually nothing to do with the proposal. We're talking about online retailers collecting sales tax and forwarding it to the right party. Precisely what every retailer in America already does. But, SOME do NOT do consistently online.

Taxes are the most overused power of the government. It's sold and pawned off to the people as the easy fix for everything.

Again, WE ALREADY HAVE TO PAY THESE TAXES!!!

"There is a political axiom; whatever you want less of, tax, whatever you want more of, subsidize. " - Shootist

Then by all means we should be taxing war and weapons sales, and subsidizing love and peace.

Why do American Republicans demand the opposite?

Isn't that right?

@Nerdyguy Precisely what every retailer in America already does. But, SOME do NOT do consistently online.

By "SOME" do you mean "ALL?" That notwithstanding, do you realize you absolutely contradicted yourself in only two sentences?

@Nerdyguy Precisely what every retailer in America already does. But, SOME do NOT do consistently online.

By "SOME" do you mean "ALL?" That notwithstanding, do you realize you absolutely contradicted yourself in only two sentences?

Unfortunately Kochevnik, your brand of Russian-English translation software probably doesn't carry the nuances very well. Plus, you need to factor in the multiple other posts where I expanded on these topics.

The sentence "precisely what every retailer..." should be read as "precisely what every BRICK AND MORTAR retailer already does..."

Those with online sales are a second category. Those with only online sales (e.g., Amazon) are a third. I shan't go into great depths here just to entertain you, as I've already explained this.

And, by "some", I mean "some". Presumably, your translator can handle that.

Why do we tax profits and subsidize poverty, unions and big business?

Shootist, I didn't know we did. It seems to me more like we privatize success and subsidize failure.