Jewelers of America has announced its support of the Main Street Fairness Act (H.R. 5660), introduced July 1 by Rep. William Delahunt (D-MA), which would allow states to require out-of-state sellers such as Internet and catalog retailers to collect state sales taxes.
Ever since the Supreme Court ruled in 1992 that states could not require remote sellers to collect sales taxes—reasoning that the large number of jurisdictions made it too complex—online and catalog sellers have had a tax advantage over traditional stores. But JA notes that the Streamlined Sales and Use Tax Agreement, which has been adopted by 24 states, has simplified the process, making it possible for remote sellers to use electronic systems to collect various taxes.
JA launched a legislative action campaign in January that asked members and others to contact their representatives and urge them to reintroduce and pass sales tax fairness legislation. Nearly 300 businesses have taken action since then.
