Capitolwire: Norquist's group says Revenue guidelines on taxing out-of-state businesses break Corbett 'no tax' pledge

By Kevin Zwick
Staff Reporter
Capitolwire

HARRISBURG (Dec. 8) – A national anti-tax organization says Gov. Tom Corbett broke his “no-tax pledge” by allowing the Revenue Department to enforce a tax collection on out-of-state businesses.

***

Sharon Ward, executive director of the liberal-leaning Pennsylvania Budget and Policy Center, said Cobb’s article is “quite misleading.”

“Pennsylvania residents are already responsible for paying tax on Internet purchases, so this is no tax increase at all,” she said. “What would change is that online retailers would be responsible for collecting the tax rather than leaving it to the individual. That is appropriate, and it is more fair.”

Ward said many states are looking to close this loophole, with Texas and North Carolina leading the way, in addition to New York and California.

“Online retailers need to start playing by the same rules as other Pennsylvania businesses. By leveling the playing field, Pennsylvania businesses can grow and create much-needed jobs,” she added.

Read the full article (subscription required).