3 ms·
I'm slightly confused how the Internet is fundamentally a different type of thing than a utility (I get taxed on my gas bill -- even on "delivery" -- pay to pla
by brokentone 11y ago
I'm slightly confused how the Internet is fundamentally a different type of thing than a utility (I get taxed on my gas bill -- even on "delivery" -- pay to play, not even any of the goods). Or an information service -- I also get taxed on my TV access. Do these lawmakers just find it sexier to say "we kept the Internet free!"
- tyingq 11y agoTaxation of utilities is very fragmented. Each state does what it wants to do, then local municipalities add on top of that. There are states that specifically prohibit counties and cities from taxing residential use of gas and electricity. So, in this case, the Feds got ahead of the states and enforced some uniformity. I find it sexy. Edit: Note that this law has been in place since October of 1998. The "news" is that it no longer has an expiration date. It did previously, and as such, had to be periodically renewed.
- brokentone 11y agoI feel as though this increases fragmentation, not uniformity. I would expect to reduce fragmentation, a bill like this should simply classify Internet as an information exchange or as a utility and enforce no taxation on all of whichever category.