Connecticut Considers Digital Download Tax

SonicSpike writes in with a story about the latest state contemplating raising revenues by taxing the net. "Downloading music, movies, e-books and Apps could soon cost Connecticut residents more as lawmakers consider a tax on digital downloads. The bill, proposed by the General Assembly's Finance, Review and Bonding Committee, would have consumers pay the 6.35% sales tax on any electronic transfer. Supporters say the bill would level the playing field for brick-and-mortar retailers in the state who are already required to charge Connecticut sales tax to consumers who purchase these products in their stores. About 25 states around the country have already begun taxing digital downloads."

Three things...

[readandburn]

1) The article is pretty much the summary? 2) "About" 25 other states? They can't even do the research to see exactly how many states already do this? 3) Half the states ("about" anyway) already do this, yet it is news on Slashdot now? Yes, I must be new here.

Re:Nahh

[wrathpwn]

What about a VPN connection to another state? And if that works, would it become illegal?

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[account_deleted]

Comment removed based on user account deletion

Double Taxation

[ThatsNotPudding]

You are already paying a tax on the ISP servcie and the electrical power used, along with sales taxes on the equipment that will play the downloaded media. Time again for some tea-dumping.

Re:Empty Rhetoric

[artor3]

Why shouldn't online purchases be taxable? Slashdotters always complain when people demand different laws for things "on the internet". Why is this an exception?

We need to fund the government somehow. Having a mile-wide loophole for purchases made on the information super-highway is archaic and counterproductive. I'd prefer no sales tax at all, since it's a regressive tax, but if we're going to have one, it should be applied everywhere.