Is it time for an Internet Tax...

**Uncle Fester** · 10-23-2009, 10:11 AM

Do you think it's time for a broad based (Federal) tax on internet provided goods. More specifically Eyeglasses and contacts?

Right now a piecemeal of State taxes are happening. Do you think a more uniform structure would be better?

**Jacqui** · 10-23-2009, 11:47 AM

On eyeglasses and contacts YES !!! At least 2000 - 3000 percent.

**For-Life** · 10-23-2009, 12:19 PM

this is why a flat sales tax that replaces income tax is a bad idea. Even if you tax the sales, you have a lot of them that sneak under the radar.

**Now I See** · 10-23-2009, 12:38 PM

Maybe, but could the gov. impose a tax on eyeglasses and contacts purchased via the internet, and not impose the same tax on eyeglasses and contacts purchased in a brick-n-mortar?

**Jacqui** · 10-23-2009, 12:56 PM

Originally Posted by Heather A

Maybe, but could the gov. impose a tax on eyeglasses and contacts purchased via the internet, and not impose the same tax on eyeglasses and contacts purchased in a brick-n-mortar?

I don't know how it would be done, but one idea is to raise the import duties.

**For-Life** · 10-23-2009, 02:53 PM

or the government can just crack down on these illegal agencies

**Uncle Fester** · 10-23-2009, 03:39 PM

With astronomical deficits and a democratic majority back in power it's time whether we like it or not to start to bring down the red ink the republicans have run up (again) by raising taxes. I'm looking for revenue from places that will hurt Americans and especially B+M ECP's the least.

I'd also like to see a tax on stocks to clean up Wall Streets mess with money from Wall Street.

Deregulation as it did in the roaring twenties has again proved an abomination on our country our children and indeed the world.

It's time to pay the piper.

**Now I See** · 10-23-2009, 04:53 PM

I don't want to get in the middle of a political debate, but in order for me to better answer the initial question, I would want to know what are we trying to accomplish by taxing internet sales?

**Billy Brock** · 10-23-2009, 08:27 PM

....... stocks created the mess on wall street

......... homes conjured the flippin' on main street ..........cars accelerated the spinout in motorcity

could stocks have stolen the billions from portfolios that are down 50% ?...........tax those nasty conniving thieving stocks (don't forget about those short sellers too)...... the private corporation in charge of "federal" fiscal policy needs funds for those that matter: businesses "too big to let fail"

taxing internet sales is sure to help those in real need ......oooOOOps my bad ... ! ! .........forgot politicians.................................just a personal opinion

**LilKim** · 10-23-2009, 08:29 PM

States tend to bleed money from not getting proper sales tax from items purchased online, out of state. If you'll notice a paper catalog (archaic, I know!), the order form says something like, "Add 7% sales tax if you live in (insert state)". The state they want to add that extra sales tax, is usually the state that the company is based out of. By doing that, those companies are ensuring that their state gets its share of sales tax.

The internet gets around all that, however, and since more and more people are buying taxable goods online, out of state, they're not paying state sales tax (the state they live in). That's money that would otherwise be going to repair roads and buy gold-plated toilet seats for state Legislators ;)

But seriously, I think it would only be fair, and would help deter future local tax increases on homes and gas prices. When a state loses millions of dollars from being cheated out of the tax money they're due because of a loophole in the law, guess who gets to pick up the slack by paying increased property taxes and higher water bills? YOU!