Lawmakers and Department of Revenue officials in Alabama have begun searching for ways to force out-of-state internet retailers to collect and remit sales tax revenue, including joining the Streamlined Sales Tax Project (SSTP).  SSTP is a small cartel of state lawmakers and tax administrators who write tax laws behind closed doors for states across the country.

SSTP is attempting to require out-of-state retailers to become tax collectors for states.  Currently, the dormant commerce clause of the U.S. Constitution prevents such action as a burden on interstate commerce.  Nevertheless, over 20 states across the country have given their authority to write tax laws to SSTP.  As the Alabama Press-Register reports:

"We're hearing a lot of that momentum developing across the country," said Alabama Revenue Commissioner Tim Russell. "Why should one escape sales tax and the others not?"

What the Revenue Commissioner ignores is that, under current law, no one can legally escape paying sales tax on out of state purchases.  Alabama law requires consumers to remit what is called "Use Tax" on purchases made outside of the state.  Already, three-quarters of Alabamians remit such tax to the Dept. of Revenue.

However, use tax has not stopped policymakers across the country from attempting to force retailers to collect the tax instead of consumers.  For a given online retailer, this means keeping track of the over 8,000 sales tax jurisdictions across the country - a significant burden on both business and interstate commerce.

CLICK HERE to write your lawmaker in opposition to SSTP and other unconstitutional forms of internet taxation.

(photo by Indhslf72)