Bill to prompt Arkansas consumers to pay Internet sales tax advances

[TexasTowelie]

LITTLE ROCK — A bill that would require Internet sellers to tell their Arkansas customers they owe taxes on their purchases cleared a Senate committee Wednesday.

In a voice vote that was not unanimous, the Senate Revenue and Taxation Committee gave a "do pass" recommendation to House Bill 1388 by Rep. Dan Douglas, R-Bentonville. The measure is one of two different proposals in the Legislature aimed at collecting sales taxes on Internet purchases.

Under Douglas' bill, which passed in the House earlier this month in a 54-26 vote, a seller that is based out of state and has no physical presence in Arkansas would be required to notify every Arkansas customer at the time of a purchase that under existing Arkansas law, the customer is required to pay the state a consumer use tax on Internet purchases.

Failing to provide the notification at the time of a purchase could be punished with a fine of $5 for each failure to provide notice.

Read more: http://www.swtimes.com/news/20170223/bill-to-prompt-arkansas-consumers-to-pay-internet-sales-tax-advances

[Sherman A1]

1. I believe that there has to be some sort of leveling of the

playing field or we will end up with no brick and mortar stores. I know my immediate area has lost many Retail outlets over these last 5 years. This is not the only reason and not the only solution, but it may be part of one.

[TexasTowelie]

2. In Texas tje sales tax for state, local, and optional districts

(like metro bus service) can take the tax rate up to 8.25%. If you aren't in a hurry to get something, why drive around looking for what you want or need to find out that it isn't in the necessary size or desired color, spend money for gas, wait in lines in traffic and at the store, and pay that extra tax when you can get the product shipped directly to your home cheaper in most instances? It's an even better deal if you don't pay for shipping.

Paying the appropriate tax supports the community, provides social services and ultimately jobs.

[LiberalArkie]

3. That is probably true. My U.S. Mail lady is being run ragged with the number of home based

businesses there are. I do know one couple that closed their store and went online. Thus saving rental charges, electricity and all the other crap involved with having an actual store presence. I miss just being able to drop by and get what I wanted. At least we do not have any of those payday loan places in our rural community.