Copyright 1999 The New York Times Company
The New
York Times
December 15, 1999, Wednesday, Late Edition -
Final
SECTION: Section A; Page 22; Column
6; Editorial Desk
LENGTH: 154 words
HEADLINE: Help E-Commerce Grow
BODY:
To the Editor:
A Nov. 30 letter
about the policies of the World Trade Organization and positions taken by
Microsoft stated that the W.T.O. seeks to "make Internet commerce tax-free." In
fact, the W.T.O. has only a moratorium on tariffs for transmissions over the
Internet. But it has taken no position on
taxes, like sales or value-added
taxes, relating to online purchases.
Microsoft is one
of many companies supporting this policy and urging extension of the tariff
moratorium, because we believe that this results in lower prices for consumers,
helps e-commerce grow and avoids discrimination against suppliers in
international trade. It's important to note that the W.T.O.'s position does not
alter individual countries' internal tax structures and
certainly does not make Internet commerce "tax
free."
BRAD SMITH
General Counsel, Worldwide
Sales
and Support, Microsoft
Redmond, Wash., Dec. 6,
1999
http://www.nytimes.com
LOAD-DATE:
December 15, 1999 
