Governors group wants action on online sales tax

The National Governors Association (NGA) is urging Speaker John Boehner (R-Ohio) to move quickly on online sales tax legislation. 

{mosads}Boehner blocked House consideration last year of the Marketplace Fairness Act, a Senate-passed bill that would have given states greater latitude to collect sales taxes on purchases from out-of-state retailers. 

Senators are expected to roll out another version of the online sales tax bill soon, and the NGA is hoping Boehner will be persuaded to help get legislation passed this Congress.

“We know changes will be made to the legislation, but the basic principles of federalism and the goals of collecting what is owed, avoiding new or higher taxes and leveling the playing field for all sellers must guide the process,” Dan Crippen, NGA executive director, wrote to Boehner. 

“States simply ask that you provide a chance at a real and open debate so that we can resolve the issue this year.”

Boehner has said that he wants the House Judiciary Committee to continue examining the issue. Rep. Bob Goodlatte (R-Va.) released a draft discussion on that issue early this year, which both the NGA and other supporters of the Marketplace Fairness Act have criticized.

Still, those supporters will continue to face a difficult time getting their preferred online sales tax legislation passed in the current Congress because Republicans control both chambers.