Lawmakers in the House and Senate introduced matching legislation in each chamber Feb. 14 enabling states to require online retailers to collect sales taxes.

The Marketplace Fairness Act of 2013, modeled after divergent bills in the House and Senate in 2012, would help states recover billions of dollars in revenue that they lose each year on remote sales, lawmakers said at a Feb. 14 news conference announcing the legislation.

“This is gaining momentum, and this is the year to do it,” said Sen. Richard Durbin (D-Ill.), a chief sponsor in the Senate.

Other lead sponsors are Sens. Mike Enzi (R-Wyo.) and Lamar Alexander (R-Tenn.), as well as Reps. Steve Womack (R-Ark.), Jackie Speier (D-Calif.) and John Conyers (D-Mich.). Durbin said the legislation has 18 sponsors in the Senate and 35 in the House.

The bill is numbered S. 336 in the Senate, and H.R. 684 in the House.

Contact your elected Congress Critter now and let them know how this will affect your business. How much of a burden will this place on your business to collect and remit sales tax in multiple jurisdictions. Will there be one tax rate for all jurisdictions? Will it apply to county and city sales taxes too? Make your voice heard!

Kenneth Hoffman counsels Entrepreneurs, Professionals and Select Individuals in taking control of their taxes, and businesses. Discover how I can help you overcome your tax and business challenges. To start the conversation or to become a client, call Kenneth Hoffman at (954) 591-8290 Monday - Friday between 8:30 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. for a no cost consultation, or drop me a note.

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