8 Reasons An Internet Sales Tax Will Hurt Online Retailers: Part 2

* The tax is supposed to generate $22 Billion to $24 Billion in annual revenues to state and local governments, although not all states want it.

* It’s a tax that online retailers were supposed to be collecting anyway.

* Online retailers with annual sales below $1 million would not have to collect these taxes.

* States must provide free computer software to help retailers calculate sales taxes, based on where shoppers live.

* States are supposed to establish a single entity to receive Internet sales tax revenue, so retailers don’t have to send it to individual counties or cities.

1. Fight For Customers And $$$ Will Intensify. Despite the convenience, customers no longer benefiting from not paying online sales tax could lose their incentive to shop online; and when they do (shop online) they may not buy as much.US Tax Singapore

* There’ll be discount and loyalty battles between Internet and Brick and Mortar retailers to woo, win and keep customers.

* Brick & Mortar retailers will emphasize the advantages of actually touching, feeling, and seeing the products in their stores. American Tax Singapore

2. Pricing Competition Will Be A Major Factor. As this bill levels the playing field between Brick & Mortar and online collection of taxes, online retailers must watch costs and pricing more carefully than ever. Places to make up costs could be in inventory, marketing, or shipping.

3. Existing Online Businesses Will Be Squeezed. Low-profit-margin online businesses will have the biggest problem. Those selling high cost goods in high sales tax states will feel big effect. And low-profit-margin businesses which sell expensive products will also be hit. 

4. Internet Business Development Will Be Dampened. The Internet sales tax will deter online growth. New business will be discouraged at a time when our economy is so anxious for entrepreneurs to create jobs and economic activity.

5. Bigger Businesses Will Stifle Competition. Big retailers will have big advantage in being able to spread the cost of compliance over their larger sales base, while smaller retailers (those making just over $1 Million and up) will struggle.

6. It Will Be Complicated. Although supporters say the bill makes it relatively easy for Internet retailers to comply, the tax bill is complex. If the system isn’t simplified across the board, businesses will be forced to wade through potentially hundreds of tax rates and a host of different tax codes and definitions. Federal Tax Singapore

7. It Will Cost Online Retailers Time And Money. The states are supposed to provide tax-tracking systems for collecting the taxes, but launching, administering and maintaining these systems will be expensive and time consuming for online retailers.

8. Federal And State Governments Could Abuse Their Powers. Opponents point out that it gives the federal government and state government too much power over this issue and could subject online retailers to a slew of state and local audits.

As far as Brick & Mortar stores are concerned, this sales tax will level the playing field, give them new life, help them get over the showrooming effect; focus on expanding their brand, product offerings, and service; and force more fair competition.