Have at it: Is online tax fair or taxation without representation?

By M.D. Kittle | Wisconsin Reporter

MADISON – Fair or foul?

When it comes to the Marketplace Fairness Act, the contentious Internet sales tax, there is much to love or hate – depending on what side you’re on.

The U.S. Senate seems to like the tax enough. Passage proved a breeze in late spring.

House members, on the other hand, may not be so sold. The bill still awaits action in committee.

The proposal requires Internet retailers to collect sales tax on out-of-state purchases. It’s not a tax on stores, but on customers. And it’s really not a new tax. Customers are supposed to send in their sales tax payments to the state tax collector.

Most don’t.

Online retailers would be forced to collect as much as $24 billion that now goes uncollected, under the legislation.