Series 2558: Constituent Correspondence, 2000-2003
35903
From: Sharon Collins <scollins@network-one.com>
To: Governor Musgrove
Created: 5/1/2001 9:47 AM
Subject: Sharon Collins Wanted You To Know About This!
Message:
You're receiving a copy of this letter written via PlanetFeedback.com because Sharon Collins considers you someone who should be aware of this experience with Office of Trent Lott.
Please handle this letter the same as you would handle any other type of constituent feedback.
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May 1, 2001
TO:
Trent Lott, Senator
Office of Trent Lott
487 Russell Senate Office Building
Washington, DC 20510
FROM:
Sharon Collins
187 Ashley Street
Tupelo, MS 38801
RE: PLANETFEEDBACK REFERENCE NUMBER 677766
Dear Senator Lott,
I think it's a good idea for Internet companies to start collecting sales tax. The government is losing billions of dollars in tax money because the retailers do not collect the tax at the time of purchase.
Internet retailers enjoy an unfair competitive advantage over traditional bricks-and-mortar companies because Internet consumers do not have to pay sales tax at the time of purchase. It's against the law to not pay sales tax. Yet, the Internet companies enjoy special circumstances and do not have to collect the sales tax. Mom-and-pop stores and other retailers suffer because they must collect sales tax, making the price of items they offer higher than the price of similar items for sale on the Internet. Consumers buy the cheaper products, stealing business away from traditional retailers.
I make most of my purchases, except for groceries, on line. As a resident of the State of Mississippi, I know that our State tax collection is down, and that shopping on the Internet is probably responsible for a sizable chunk of that decrease. I don't mind paying sales taxes, and I think everyone should do so where it is the law.
It makes sense to institute and collect sales tax at the time of the purchase. Internet services can program in the appropriate sales tax, based on the buyer's address, just as they do the shipping fees.
This issue is fairly important to Mississippi and other governments who depend on sales taxes. I think your leadership on this issue could be very helpful.
Thanks for taking the time to listen.
Sincerely,
scollins@network-one.com
CC:
Thad Cochran
Ronnie Musgrove
Eric Clark
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PlanetFeedback.com helps consumers focus and direct their feedback to companies. It keeps people and organizations who are interested in consumer issues informed of the public's experiences and opinions. Involving people and organizations like you helps consumers become even more influential.
Perhaps you can help this constituent directly. Perhaps it's simply helpful for you to know the kinds of feedback your constituents are giving and the companies they are writing to.
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