David Lahme, Owner of TRADEPORT USA, recently submitted an opinion piece to Foster’s Daily Democrat expressing his concern with the Senate-passed Marketplace Fairness Act. If passed into law, the Marketplace Fairness Act would force tech-enabled small businesses all across the country to become sales tax collectors for states where they don’t even have a physical presence. Businesses like TRADEPORT USA, would be vulnerable to audits from tax enforcement agents all across the country. A state like New Hampshire does not even have a sales tax, so their small businesses would face all of the burden and the state receive no benefit.

“Similar to any other New Hampshire business, whether a large retail establishment, liquor store or bakery, we as New Hampshire businesses are not responsible for or required to collect taxes from any of our customers — regardless of where they live. We have no sales tax, and we do not depend on sales tax revenue for our state budget”, explained Lahme. “Yet proposed federal legislation — ironically known as the Marketplace “Fairness” Act (MFA) — would require me to serve as a tax collector for over 9,600 tax jurisdictions and 45 states with different tax rates and rules across the country. We should only be required to adhere to the laws in states where we run our business operations. It’s unfair to force us to collect for tax jurisdictions and face audits from tax authorities where we do not have a physical presence.”

Lahme also thanked Senators Kelly Ayotte (R) and Jeanne Shaheen for their opposition to the Marketplace Fairness Act. “I am very proud of the leadership demonstrated by our New Hampshire delegation, and I hope that they continue to fight for small online businesses,” wrote Lahme. “Congress should follow their lead and oppose any legislation that would hamper growth among small businesses operating online.”

To read Lahme’s opinion piece, please visit Foster’s Daily Democrat.