Every day I pick up this newspaper and read about how, as a state, there isn't enough money in the state’s budget to fund vital programs. Also, I hear lots of talk about making it easier for small businesses to succeed in Maine. That is why I was so pleased to learn about an e-fairness bill in the state Legislature.
The bill would close the tax loophole that allows Internet-only companies that operate in Maine to avoid the collection of sales tax. By not making this change, tax revenue is being left on the table and giving giant out-of-state online-only retailers (such as Amazon) an advantage over Maine’s small businesses.
This bill is a win-win for Maine’s businesses and the state's economy. I hope that the Maine Legislature sees the benefits of that bill and votes for its passage.
Michelle Dostie, Lewiston
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If I'm not mistaken...
...there is a place on the Maine Income Tax return for you to admit buying over the internet with a place for you to report how much you spent so you can pay the proper tax. I do that, don't you?
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Would you like to respond? Login or create a new account. You'll need to verify your account before you can respond.Civil Disobedience
Most people do not comply with the income tax rule – good old civil disobedience – that is why the state is taking additional steps. I encourage everyone overlook this line item on their tax form. For the record, I do not purchase goods over the internet.
Lastly, I encourage all internet merchants to lease cloud services out of state; that is technically move our business to another state.
I have no clue how the state will have resources to enforce compliance.
Better living through smaller government – starve the beast.
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Would you like to respond? Login or create a new account. You'll need to verify your account before you can respond.The beast...
...will get his due...from me and you. How much depends on how much civil disobedience we incur.
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Would you like to respond? Login or create a new account. You'll need to verify your account before you can respond.The plain and simple fact is
The plain and simple fact is that the State does not have the resources nor ability to enforce sales tax reporting on internet sales.
A law that is not enforceable is only a law in name only.
An intelligent Legislator would never pass law that is not enforceable.
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Would you like to respond? Login or create a new account. You'll need to verify your account before you can respond.Then by your assessment...
...we have NO intelligent legislators.
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Would you like to respond? Login or create a new account. You'll need to verify your account before you can respond.I agree that Maine's
I agree that Maine's businesses should be on equal footing with out-of-state retailers; eliminating sales tax would do just that.
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Would you like to respond? Login or create a new account. You'll need to verify your account before you can respond.Simply a desperate act of a
Simply a desperate act of a greedy state and people.
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