"Collecting Online Sales Taxes: Should Congress Weigh In?"
Date: Thursday, March 21, 2013
Time: 12:00 pm - 1:30 pm. Program begins promptly at 12:00 pm, check-in starts at 11:45 am. (Box lunch will be served)
Location: Rayburn House Office Building - Room 2237
Twitter: @NetCaucusAC #remotesalestax
- Brian Bieron, Senior Director, U.S. Government Relations and Global Policy - eBay [Bio]
- Bartlett Cleland, Director, Center for Technology Freedom - Institute for Policy Innovation [Bio] (Moderator)
- Steve DelBianco, Executive Director, NetChoice [Bio]
- Bill Hughes, Senior Vice President, Government Relations, Retail Industry Leaders Association (RILA) [Bio]
- Emmett O'Keefe, Director, Public Policy - Amazon [Bio]
Panel subject to change*
* Joe Crosby, Principal, MultiState [Bio] was unable to participate on this panel as previously scheduled.
Several bills in both Houses of Congress propose settling the debate over which Internet retailers should collect sales in states where they do not have physical storefronts or offices. This issue affects large and small retailers, states, as well as consumers. Over 20 years ago, the Supreme Court ruled (Quill v. North Dakota) that retailers are not required to collect sales taxes in states where they lack a physical presence. However, the court explicitly stated that Congress could overrule the decision through subsequent legislation. State and local governments have since tried to persuade Congress to overturn this Court ruling and mandate that all online retailers assess and collect a sales tax in all states. This briefing featured a diverse panel of experts debating the issue and the impact of the bills that have been introduced. We encourage you to listen to the audio of our panel discussion on this important issue.
This widely attended educational briefing is hosted by the Congressional Internet Caucus Advisory Committee (ICAC), part of a 501 (c)(3) charitable organization. Congressional staff and members of the press welcome. The ICAC is a private sector organization comprised of public interest groups, trade associations, non-profits, and corporations. The ICAC does not promote any particular policy position or legislation. More information on the ICAC is available at www.netcaucus.org.