Hawaii Consumers Will Save $20M/Year Thanks to Internet Tax Abolition
KHON: The Center on Budget and Policy Priorities reports that Hawaii (consumers) could lose (gain) nearly $20 million each year in (reduced) tax revenue (payments).
The state Department of Taxation was not able to confirm that number, but said it has another five years to see the delayed effect.
Meanwhile, consumer advocates say no one should have to pay a tax for the Internet.
“Anything that costs the consumer additional money to have access to the Internet, that I would fight tooth and nail,” said Scott Foster, Hawaii Advocates for Consumer Rights.
State Sen. Sam Slom, R, Hawaii Kai, Diamond Head, says he’s been opposed to the tax for years.
“Any tax that can be stopped, I’m in favor of,” Slom said.
Slom said he is more concerned about over-taxation of Hawaii’s residents, rather than making up the lost revenue.
“Would people be able to get their money back that they have already paid on this tax?” KHON2 asked.
“Probably not, like so many other things, but be grateful if you can stop the tax and not make it be any bigger,” Slom said.
President Barack Obama is expected to sign the bill.
KHON: Harry Reid Tried to Keep the State’s Hand in your pocket and failed
read … Victory!
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UPDATE Internet Tax Ban Passes Senate Feb 11
From Americans for Tax Reform
The U.S. Senate has overwhelmingly voted to permanently ban Internet Access Taxes. The prohibition was included in a larger customs bill that passed with a vote of 75-20. Now, the bill and the internet access tax ban will be sent to President Obama for his signature.
The Internet Tax Freedom Forever Act ensures that Americans’ internet access will never be taxed by state or local governments. Since 1998 the ban has been reauthorized over half-a-dozen times.
By voting today to permanently ban internet access taxes, Congress has ensured that Americans all around the country can have access to broadband internet without a fear of burdensome prices.
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From Americans for Tax Reform
Dear Taxpayer: Feb 10, 2016
The U.S. Senate is set to vote this Thursday on permanently banning Internet access taxes. Thanks to your efforts this prohibition has already passed the U.S. House.
But...
Harry Reid & Co. want to strip the Internet Access Tax Ban from the “customs” bill, so they can use it to pass an online sales tax! With the help of lobbyists, Harry Reid is hoping to let the temporary ban on Internet access taxes expire, which would allow all 50 states to tax internet access.We don't need state legislators applying new taxes and raising the cost of Internet access.
LINK: Take Action now to prohibit states from taxing your Internet access!
Even with overwhelming support for the Internet Access Tax Ban from both sides of the political field, the ban has only been renewed in short increments since its inception in 1998. Any effort to pass a permanent ban has been bogged down by attempts to attach an online sales tax clause.
We cannot let the pressure drop! Harry Reid and his allies will never stop waging war on American taxpayers.
LINK: Take Action now to permanently ban Internet access taxes!
Onward,
Adam Radman
Grassroots Campaigns Manager
Americans for Tax Reform
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BACKGROUND: