Andy Logan, an Internet enabled small business owner in Stillwater, Oklahoma, published an opinion piece in the Stillwater News Press that argued federal Internet sales tax legislation would impose tax collection burdens that would threaten his ability to stay in business and with the midterm elections looming, Logan urged his policymakers to think carefully before passing a bill that would stifle small business growth and development. “I believe my opinion should be heard just loudly as the large corporation’s spending money to make their voices be heard,” said Logan. “That’s why with the upcoming elections I am urging citizens and politicians alike to realize the negative impact federal Internet sales tax legislation would have on small businesses.
In the article, Logan explains that he has always collected sales tax from his customers in Oklahoma as the law states and that he is happy to do so because that is where he works and votes. However, the Senate passed Marketplace Fairness Act would force Logan to to collect and remit sales tax from customers in more than 9,600 tax jurisdictions nationwide. “Oklahomans must be made aware that this legislation would add gruesome complexities to running a small business. While these complexities may be acceptable for the big retailers driving this political issue, they simply mean the difference between keeping the doors open or shutting down for many small businesses like mine,” said Logan. “Unfortunately, the big retailers understand this, and it’s why they are pushing for it. They know it will eliminate many of their Internet enabled small business competitors.”
Logan expressed gratitude for the opportunities that the Internet has provided to his business over the years and urged his elected officials to take care to not pass legislation that would negatively impact businesses like his. “I am beyond grateful that the Internet has enabled me to reach consumers across the globe and compete with some the world’s largest retailers. My business is a retail success story and our newly-elected Congress should strongly oppose any law that would prevent businesses like mine from growing and contributing to local economies. If candidates need further verification that Internet sales tax legislation would be a bad idea, they should take the time to visit a small online business and see how we operate. We are working hard to offer prices competitive to those of large retailers.”
To read Logan’s article, please visit the Stillwater News Press. Click to find more information on eBay Inc.’s position on the Internet Sales Tax Issue.