Just Say No to Internet Access Taxes

[Commentary] As the trade association that represents both brick-and-mortar and online retailers, the National Retail Federation believes Congress should pass legislation that extends the federal ban on Internet access taxes.

Allowing the current ban to end on Nov. 1 would be a significant blow to our economy and to innovation. NRF also believes it is time to pass federal legislation that grants states the ability to require remote sellers to collect sales tax. Online sellers who don't have to collect sales tax hold an unfair price and market advantage over their competitors and make it increasingly difficult for Main Street merchants to survive. It is time for all retailers to play by the same tax rules regardless of whether they sell in a store, through the mail or over the Internet. Retail is retail, a sale is a sale and fair is fair. The best way to accomplish these goals is for Congress to pass the Marketplace and Internet Tax Fairness Act.

[Shay is President and CEO of the National Retail Federation]