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| Friday, September 07, 2001 |
Measure Offers a ‘Fair and Workable’ Solution to Online Sales Tax Issue ARLINGTON, VA, June 23, 2000—The International Mass Retail Association (IMRA) today expressed its full support for legislation introduced yesterday in the Senate to provide a level playing field for sales tax collection. The “Internet Simplification and Equity Act” (S. 2775) was introduced by Sens. Byron Dorgan (D-ND) and George Voinovich (R-OH) and co-sponsored by Sens. Bill Bennett (R-UT), John Breaux (D-LA), Richard Bryan (D-NV), Max Cleland (D-GA), Mike Enzi (R-WY), Bob Graham (D-FL), Tim Hutchinson (R-AR), Blanche Lincoln (D-AR), and Craig Thomas (R-WY). The measure would extend through 2005 the existing moratorium on new and discriminatory Internet taxes while encouraging the states to simplify their sales tax systems and—once simplification has been achieved—would allow the states to require all retailers to collect sales taxes. S. 2775 has been referred to the Senate Finance Committee. “We are extremely pleased that a bipartisan group of senators has endorsed a fair and workable solution that addresses the current problem regarding sales tax collection duties,” said Robert J. Verdisco, President of IMRA. As a founding member of the e-Fairness Coalition, IMRA co-signed a coalition letter to all members of the Senate applauding the legislation and encouraging every senator to support the bill. “While the introduction of this legislation is just the first step, it proves that there is bipartisan support in the Senate for leveling the playing field once and for all,” said Lisa Wolski, IMRA’s Director of Tax and Financial Issues. “Moreover, it proves that Republicans and Democrats alike believe that legislation permitting the equal application of sales tax collection duties must be included in any extension of the existing Internet tax moratorium.” IMRA is urging its members and all state retail associations to contact every member of the Senate Finance Committee and urge them to support S. 2775. IMRA and the e-Fairness Coalition will continue to work for passage of this important bill. The International Mass Retail Association--the world’s leading alliance of retailers and their product and service suppliers--is committed to bringing price-competitive value to the world’s consumers. IMRA improves its members’ businesses by providing industry research and education, government advocacy, and a unique forum for its members to establish relationships, solve problems, and work together for the benefit of the consumer and the mass retail industry. IMRA represents many of the best-known and most successful retailers in the world, who operate thousands of stores worldwide. IMRA equally values among its members hundreds of the world’s top-tier product and service suppliers, working with their retailer partners to further the growth of the mass retail industry. Return to Press Release index for June 2000 |
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