zeringue

January 14, 2009 at 5:57pm

This shows how desparate states are to continue to spend money on ever increasing social services even though the state is not bringing in additional funds.  Perhaps states need to do what most americans are/should be doing, cut back on spending, start putting additional money in the bank.  Cut back on non essential services. 

A simple solution for this is a nationwide sales taxes, ditch the IRS and make any purchase include a 15% sales tax. There would not be any deductions, loop holes or exceptions, you buy you pay. even the illegal money would start contributing.

Some small portion 3 percent of the 15% from inet sales goes to the states.  

 If i was amazon, i would stop selling in new york. Let the people of New York scream at their government. 

habuza

January 14, 2009 at 11:49am

To both of you.  The financial future of the United States of Hypocrisy does look bleak, indeed.

jwalch.hawk

January 14, 2009 at 10:13am

I've gone on this rant before, but what the hell...

I am totally siding with Amazon and Overstock on this one.  And it's *not* because I don't think they should have to collect sales tax.  In fact, I think they should.  HOWEVER, it is NOT the state's (in this case, New York) job to dictate that.

"violates the Commerce Clause of the U.S. Constitution" <---  This.  Long story short, this is a FEDERAL issue because these companies are by their nature interstate commerce. 

Summary:

States trying to impose sales tax on e-commerce: Sit down and STFU.

Feds: Get off your collective asses and legislate something fair that EVERY STATE will be subject to.

Mmmk?  Great. 

DePat

January 14, 2009 at 10:06am

It is just a matter of time. With all the states in the red, the
economy in a free fall, and the Federal government on the ropes, we the
people will be taxed to the poor house.

All the states, counties and municipalities had no problems making their financial forecasts
based on incredibly stupid assumptions (e.g house prices will never go
down and the likes). Now that they received a good "beating" they want to
tax us as if we did not suffer the same financial hardships.

I agreed that the major retailers have to paid their share of taxes and
help collect them, but not for the reasons advanced by the state of new
york. I want them to collect the taxes because that will give a chance to
the local vendors to compete. Aside from that, the states have to learn
how to become lean and shed the "FAT" and "Financial leaziness" they have
accumulated during the years of financial stupidity.

 

DePat