Academic

TAX FOUNDATION: ?Amazon Tax? Laws Signal Business Unfriendliness And Will Worsen Short-Term Budget ?

By Glenn Reynolds

TAX FOUNDATION: “Amazon Tax” Laws Signal Business Unfriendliness And Will Worsen Short-Term Budget Problems. “Contrary to the claims of supporters, Amazon taxes do not provide easy revenue. In fact, the nation’s first few Amazon taxes have not produced any revenue at all, and there is some evidence of lost revenue. For instance, Rhode Island has seen no additional sales tax revenue from its Amazon tax, and because Amazon reacted by discontinuing its affiliate program, Rhode Islanders are earning less income and paying less income tax. Amazon taxes also do not “level the playing field” between brick-and-mortar and online businesses; the laws actually mandate disparate burdens on online businesses. Litigation over the constitutionality of Amazon taxes is ongoing, with scholars on the left and right disputing their wisdom and legality.” Unsurprisingly, I agree. Earlier thoughts on this subject here.

Full post as published by Instapundit.com on March 08, 2010 (boomark / email).