美国拟向网络零售商征消费税.docVIP

本周一，美国参议院以69票支持、27票反对的结果通过了有关征收网购消费税的法案。该法案名为《市场公平法案》，若获众议院投票通过并由总统签署生效，包括哥伦比亚特区在内的45个州将对本州内销售额100万美元以上的网络零售商征收消费税。 ? The US Senate approved a long-anticipated Internet sales tax proposal on Monday, moving the legislation one step closer to enactment and paving the way for shoppers to pay sales tax on the majority of online purchases. ? The so-called Marketplace Fairness Act would allow the 45 states (and the District of Columbia) that currently charge sales taxes to require large online retailers to collect tax on purchases made by their residents. The law would only apply to online sellers that have sales of at least $1 million in states where they dont have physical operations, like a store or a warehouse. ? The Senate voted 69 to 27 to approve the bill, which enjoyed bipartisan support. But before it can become law, it must be approved by the House, where Republicans are split on the issue. ? Some House Republicans have already expressed support for the bill, arguing that it would level the playing field for small brick-and-mortar retailers. They say it would not create a new tax, but rather enforce the collection of taxes already charged at traditional retailers. But other House Republicans still view that as a tax increase on consumers or say it would overburden Internet businesses in their states. ? The Obama administration has endorsed the bill, so if it can gain approval in the House, it is likely to become law. ? If the bill is enacted, academic studies estimate more than $12 billion in additional sales taxes will be collected from online purchases each year. ? Big brick-and-mortar retailers with an online presence, such as Wal-Mart, already charge sales tax for web purchases. But in many states, you can still shop tax-free at Internet-only retailers like Amazon or Overstock (OSTK). ? Thats because under current law, online sellers are only required to collect tax in states where they have a physical presence. And while most states require shoppers to pay