The E-Fairness Effort Needs You

The American Booksellers Association is calling on booksellers in 44 states that collect sales tax to write to their governors today to urge that online retailers with in-state affiliates be required to collect and remit sales tax in accordance with existing laws. Recently, 11 independent trade groups wrote to the governors [1] and asked them to equitably enforce existing tax laws. Forty-five states currently charge sales tax; however, New York State has already begun enforcing sales tax collection on online purchases under the Internet Sales Tax provision, which became law on June 1.

Though it is the busiest time of the year for booksellers, in view of the economic climate and the many states projecting significant budget shortfalls, ABA believes it is crucial for booksellers to write their governors about e-fairness now. In addition, booksellers should feel free to adapt and send the template letter provided by ABA to their state legislators, especially if they have previously spoken or met with them regarding e-fairness.

To help booksellers in this crucial endeavor, ABA has prepared a template letter [2] that can be adapted and sent. ABA is also asking booksellers to notify BTW Senior Editor David Grogan, via e-mail to dave@bookweb.org [3], when they have sent the letter to their governor. This will help ABA compile information to support its sales tax lobbying efforts.