William F. Smith: “I support H.R. 49, the Internet Tax and Nondiscrimination Act. This legislation would permanently extend the current…”

“I support H.R. 49, the Internet Tax and Nondiscrimination Act. This legislation would permanently extend the current moratorium on Internet access taxation, as well as taxes on electronic commerce. It would not prohibit States from imposing sales tax on sales conducted over the Internet. However, it does prevent States or localities from imposing a sales tax that only applies to Internet transactions. Internet commerce is still relatively new and has yet to reach its full potential. The imposition of taxes would threaten the future growth of e-commerce and would discourage companies from using the Internet to conduct business. Internet taxation would create regional and international barriers to global trade. The Internet is also a major source of information for many individuals and families. Taxes would reduce the number of Americans who could afford Internet access. Our goal in Congress should be to encourage and promote Internet access, rather than to widen the digital divide. Americans should be able to access the Internet without being subject to State and local taxes.”