This week in small business, net neutrality dominated news. But small business is keeping a close eye on another online issue: the Marketplace Fairness Act. This legislation would give states the ability to force non-exempt
out-of-state businesses to collect sales taxes on internet sales.
The legislation is backed by brick-and-mortar retailers,
who are required to collect and remit sales taxes from customers who
purchase products in their stores. It is also supported by some large
internet retailers who are already required to collect taxes in states
where they have a physical presence. On the other hand, it is opposed
by many smaller internet retailers who see implementing a sales tax
system as overly complicated. Such legislation is also opposed by a
number of conservative and anti-tax groups.
Despite
Senate passage of the bill with bipartisan support, House Speaker John
Boehner said last week that the House would not vote on the legislation
this year.
On Friday, the House passed H.R. 5682, a bill to expedite construction of the Keystone pipeline, by a vote of 252-161. The Senate is scheduled to vote on the bill on Tuesday, November 18th.
NFIB believes construction of the Keystone XL pipeline is important for
reducing America’s reliance of foreign energy and helping to lower the
cost of fuels small businesses use every day. In addition, the project
has the potential to create thousands of jobs that will help create and
support small businesses in communities where the jobs are created.
NFIB takes a look each week at the issues affecting small business in
Washington, D.C., and around the country. To see more in this series visit www.nfib.com/WeekInSmallBiz.
