CARTHAGE, MO.--- Jasper County Auditor Richard Webster says the state tax revenue has been gradually declining. Part of this is due to more transactions being made over the internet than in local retail stores.
Jasper county officials say they are looking for ways to enhance their revenue, so they can continue to operate efficiently and provide services required by state law. A study last year by the University of Missouri shows the state could gain over $450 million a year by imposing an internet sales tax.
"I think there's a push at the national level. I know there's a push in the state legislature and probably in other state legislatures around the county," states Richard Webster, Jr. Jasper County Auditor.
Webster says it would likely require a vote of the people, and legislators will have to educate residents that it's not a tax increase. It would be the same 4.3% sales tax you pay when you make a purchase in a store.
Jasper county officials say they are looking for ways to enhance their revenue, so they can continue to operate efficiently and provide services required by state law. A study last year by the University of Missouri shows the state could gain over $450 million a year by imposing an internet sales tax.
"I think there's a push at the national level. I know there's a push in the state legislature and probably in other state legislatures around the county," states Richard Webster, Jr. Jasper County Auditor.
Webster says it would likely require a vote of the people, and legislators will have to educate residents that it's not a tax increase. It would be the same 4.3% sales tax you pay when you make a purchase in a store.
Comments
The economy is the reason that the sales tax is down. The ability of businesses like ours to be able to have some avenue of relief by the ability to sell products online when foot traffic in our store is down is a blessing. I have talked to other business owners who feel similarly. Customers who have given their opinions on this say that with gas prices the way they are the online shopping is an option, because the lack of tax makes up for part of the money they would have spent on gas. The economy IS slow. Don't slow it even more by adding another tax!!!! Please!
Laura S.
January 18, 2013 at 10:37 pm
