eBay petition to stop internet taxes on small businesses

[madoka]

I got this from eBay:

eBay supports tax policy that is fair to entrepreneurs, artisans, and small businesses, which are vital to the American economy, and we oppose efforts to impose taxes that would harm these businesses. Millions of people across the country sell on the eBay marketplace, and there has never been a more critical time to stand against new and unfair Internet taxes.

The U.S. Supreme Court will make a decision in the coming weeks that could give states the right to tax every small business on the Internet.

The issue is just as urgent on Capitol Hill, as states, shopping centers, and large retailers lobby hard to increase taxes on small businesses and their online customers. When the Supreme Court makes its decision, it will bring together the various threads on the issue of Internet sales tax.

Our leaders in Washington, D.C., and in state capitals across America need to know how you feel about these new and harmful Internet tax burdens. Please digitally sign this petition to show political leaders that you stand with us against these new taxes. It should take less than three minutes. We'll deliver your signatures to President Trump, key members of Congress, and select state governors.

Rest assured that eBay will continue to fight this battle on behalf of all of our valued customers. Thank you for taking a stand for millions of small businesses across America.

Anyone know what case this is in reference to?

 

[UglyCasanova]

What do they mean by it? That they can tax a small business that does online sales and operates in that state? Or tax anybody that does online sales in that state as a business? Or what.

 

[brycejones]

eBay actually has the ability to make this easy for it's sellers and build the tax calculation into the eBay platform.

This is all about the collection of local and state sales taxes. It is going to happen at some point so they should be getting in front of it.

 

[UglyCasanova]

eBay actually has the ability to make this easy for it's sellers and build the tax calculation into the eBay platform.

This is all about the collection of local and state sales taxes. It is going to happen at some point so they should be getting in front of it.

Ok so this is sales tax collection then. I’m for it, puts them on a fair playing field with b&m retailers. Amazon will become a clearinghouse for online retailers (even those not on Amazon) to facilitate collection which will make them even more dominant unfortunately, but beyond that I think it’s generally a good idea.

 

[crashtech]

We make sure to send our "use tax" to the state for all non-resale purchases, just to be on the safe side.

 

[sdifox]

eBay actually has the ability to make this easy for it's sellers and build the tax calculation into the eBay platform.

This is all about the collection of local and state sales taxes. It is going to happen at some point so they should be getting in front of it.

Collection of tax by eaby sellers would be a nightmare to implement.

 

[deathBOB]

It’s this case http://www.scotusblog.com/case-files/cases/south-dakota-v-wayfair-inc/

eBay (or some other platform or payment processor) could easily calculate and handle sales tax for small retailers.

 

[brycejones]

Collection of tax by eaby sellers would be a nightmare to implement.

Really not, ebay has access to all the necessary information to do the calculations and that can be passed to paypal. Paypal can do the actual collection and remittance to the taxing authorities. Done correctly it would be completely invisible and hands off for the seller.

 

[crashtech]

Another nightmare is to figure out who got paid tax and who didn't. It used to be that no Internet sales had tax and were therefore easy to identify, now it's a crapshoot. I think I remember paying sales tax on Amazon purchases before I quit buying from them, which was annoying if the item was for resale.

 

[sdifox]

Really not, ebay has access to all the necessary information to do the calculations and that can be passed to paypal. Paypal can do the actual collection and remittance to the taxing authorities. Done correctly it would be completely invisible and hands off for the seller.

There are non uniform levels of sales tax down to the county level.