Senators Hoping to Pass Permanent Ban on U.S. Internet Tax
Internet Tax Freedom Act due to expire in November 2014.
Senators are hoping to apply a permanent ban on an act that would see Americans paying tax to utilize the Internet.
Passed in 1998, the Internet Tax Freedom Act prevents federal, state and local governments from receiving sales taxes through internet access. The bill, however, is scheduled to expire during November 2014.
Republican Sens. Kelly Ayotte (N.H.) and Dean Heller (Nev.) introduced new legislation that aims to extend the ban indefinitely. The Permanent Internet Tax Freedom Act would put an end to governments applying taxes pertaining to internet access. It'll also prevent abuse related to taxes on online purchases by preventing "any multiple or discriminatory taxes" on a given purchase.
"Nevadans and every American should be able to access the Internet without penalties from the federal government," Heller said. "The Internet Tax Freedom Act will ensure a long-standing federal policy that prevents the government from raising taxes, and preserves the Internet as a tool for education and innovation."
"E-commerce is thriving largely because the Internet is free from burdensome tax restrictions. Unfortunately, tax collectors see it as a new revenue source, and they must be stopped," Ayotte added. "This legislation will provide certainty to the marketplace, helping the Internet continue to be a driving force for jobs and growth."
Now I'm just waiting for internet access to be treated like a utility, and priced fairly and accordingly rather than charging users twice: once for a rated speed package, and then again for how much data they use (depending on if they go over an arbitrary amount of data).
We absolutely, positively do NOT want internet access to be treated like a "utility" - EVER. Because then the government GETS to regulate it - that's what we are trying to stop and never let happen.
Think about it - would you want your usage metered because some politician who gets elected in the future has a personal opinion that YOU don't need to use the internet, you should go outside and play....????
Now I'm just waiting for internet access to be treated like a utility, and priced fairly and accordingly rather than charging users twice: once for a rated speed package, and then again for how much data they use (depending on if they go over an arbitrary amount of data).
Now I'm just waiting for internet access to be treated like a utility, and priced fairly and accordingly rather than charging users twice: once for a rated speed package, and then again for how much data they use (depending on if they go over an arbitrary amount of data).
We absolutely, positively do NOT want internet access to be treated like a "utility" - EVER. Because then the government GETS to regulate it - that's what we are trying to stop and never let happen.
Think about it - would you want your usage metered because some politician who gets elected in the future has a personal opinion that YOU don't need to use the internet, you should go outside and play....????
Where did I say government-regulation? Just treated LIKE a utility where you pay for what you use, not for some made-up, unrealistic tiers of speed and bandwidth that have little relevance to actual usage.
This has nothing to do with sales tax. There is a strong push to do that and its already happening and legal. They won't stop that.
This is about adding a tax to your internet bill, or taxing email. Like they do to your phone. And gas. And car. And cable. And..... Everything
The goal its to not allow it so they can never use taxation to control internet access, email, charge multiple taxes on electronic sales etc. its to stop unfair INTERNET ONLY taxes. like charging Amazon a HIGHER tax to give local businesses advantages. It allows fair sales taxes
I guess the idea of government regulation is double-edged. The ideal version where government is for the good of the people to regulate the large companies from exuding their monopolistic power and stick it to the people with unreasonable and tricky pricing. Then there is what is happening currently that governments is mor influenced by lobbyist and the regulations they encat really help the companies more than the consumer, kind of like that "illegal to unlock" crap that was on her a few days ago.
I want one tax for individuals one tax for small business and one tax for corporations
Outside of those three taxes I shouldn't get taxed anymore and no one should have loopholes to get out of pain all their money and tax.
I hate how because if you get married you get a tax break you dedicate you get a tax break but oh no you buy alcohol you get more tax you buy cigarette or more taxes there to anything that's considered a vice gets taxed so damn much... Taxes are meant to be a way to raise funds for the government and any form of tax that is trying to promote what the government decide his good behavior is corruption.
A utility HAS government regulation.
And if you think "because" something is a utility that you are "only" paying for what you use....you REALLY need to look at your bills more closely!!!! For gas, electric, phone, water, sewer, etc you are paying for so much more CRAP that has nothing to do with the actual service.
http://www.house.gov/representatives/find/
sorry for the rant this crap drives me crazy
Just something to think about, folks.