Virginia Senator Emmett Hanger, R-Augusta, wants a new internet sales tax in the Commonwealth. Currently, internet purchases are not subject to a state sales tax, part of the attraction for online buying. Now, Senator Hanger wants to change that, according to the Richmond Times Dispatch. His bill passed the Virginia Senate on Wednesday and now heads to the House of Delegates where it faces a tough battle.It should be noted that there are many small business here in Virginia that operate inside of a residential place and sell goods online, this new tax would cause an increase in price for their product and cause sales to go drop. These "online" businesses don't drain public resources.
This doesn't seem like the best time to be imposing a new tax that hurts Virginia business. I will be looking to the Governor to veto this if it passes the General Assembly. I am surprised at Senator Hanger for this putting forward this bill. I hope it doesn't pass, we need the business.
This is simply the wrong time for increasing taxes [and costs] for Virginia businesses that sell on the internet.
ReplyDeleteIf the House resists the temptation to pass this job killer, rest assured that revenues will actually be greater in the long run. Mr. Hanger need only look at the situations in New York and California where higher taxation is actually leading to businesses leaving these states.
Once a business leaves, closes, or scales back due to increased costs imposed by the state; the revenue it would have produced is forever lost. The state will attempt to place a higher burden on the remaining productive businesses. The cycle will repeat itself as more businesses leave, close or scale back.
I agree, I would like him to answer the question: "How does this legislation help Virginia Business and Job Growth?"
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