Internet sales tax clears committee, supporters claim fairness is issue

The Joint Committee on Revenue is taking the plunge and has reported out of committee the bill calling for the 6.25% sales tax to be collected by the state on phone, online and mail vendors.  Approval and implementation of this bill has the potential to bring in $335 million per year...revenue that could be used to restore cuts to desparately needed programs and to restore jobs.  Congressional enabling legislation is a necessary precursor, and MA would be added to 24 other states seeking the sales and use tax agreement with this new bill, when signed by MA legislators and the Governor.

Revenue Committee Co-chairman Rep. Jay Kaufman (D-Lexington) also said he hoped the debate over deficit reduction would spur federal lawmakers to empower states to collect taxes owed to them.  [Full Article: Wicked Local Wellesley]