Sunday, December 27, 2009

Follow the money

Setting up Amazon.com on an Indian reservation to avoid paying taxes?
It was considered, but as it turns out Mr. Bezos got pretty much what he wanted anyway.

"Today, Amazon collects sales tax in only five states, which gives it a continuing advantage over companies who do collect them in all or most states. Competitors aren’t the only ones hurt by Amazon’s stance on sales taxes: it also means the loss of considerable revenue to states and localities that badly need it."

A few strokes of a pen, and state legislatures all over the place could strike a blow for fairness, and maybe have some coin to build a hospital.
Alas, I'm not holding my breath.

1 comment:

tomslee said...

Do customers pay sales tax at amazon.ca? Is their status different from Chapters/Indigo or Words Worth?

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