Amazon Tax
Last Update: March 16, 2011

I read an interesting perspective this morning on the Affiliate Tax.

The bottom line of this article is that Wall-mart is funding the push for affiliate taxes.  This tax is being touted as a benefit to off-line businesses since they already collect taxes in their states.

 I am not really opposed to this tax, I think that sales made in a state should collect taxes to its residents.  This is how governments get their revenues.

What bothers me is how to track this issue.  I can see lots of problems from this direction.  Amazon's solution is to stop paying affiliates in these states.  That really sucks and will be counterproductive in the long run.

Wall-mart doesn't care about any of this.  What they are doing is trying to limit their competition.  This company cares not one whit about the little guy.  In fact they have put many small businesses out of business when they come to town.  So now they are targeting another market that  is causing them competition.  

I have no solution but I really hate to see dirty politics hurting the little guy yet again.

 

 

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klrrider Premium
I have always felt that out of states sales should be non-taxable. This was the norm for years, helped promote commerce between states and actually built the economy. The offset was shipping or delivery and so things were balanced naturally. I agree that the internet is different but still feel it should come under what was done in the past. It used to be no sales tax was collected on anything used under the assumption it was already taxed once... that was one of the first things to go and it has been more and more taxes since.
jatdebeaune Premium
I see it as an unnecessary complication of online business. Cyber space should not be taxed by a state. CT was imposing sales tax at one point, and my top affiliate dropped me because of it. They'll just drop you and work with marketers from other states.
taku123 Premium
The only way that I can even begin to affect Walmart is to not shop there. I tell all my friends and family and pray they do the same. It is physically impossible for me to even walk in to a Walmart. Sam Walton did not have this vision for his company. As for the tax, well it is what it is. I hope they don't but only time will tell.
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