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Providence Journal – Trade group threatens legal action if R.I. approves plan to collect more online sales tax

Providence Journal – Trade group threatens legal action if R.I. approves plan to collect more online sales tax

NetChoice, an e-commerce trade group that’s challenged online sales tax policies in states across the country — including a current lawsuit against Massachusetts — is urging senators to reject the sales tax provisions in the Rhode Island budget, which they call “privacy invading,” costly and unfair.

“Don’t pass this law,” said Carl Szabo, senior policy counsel at Washington, D.C.-based NetChoice. “It is hard to understand what the purpose of it is except for the perception that the Internet is hurting Main Street. Now Amazon, Walmart and most of the top 20 online retailers collect and remit sales tax for Rhode Island.”

“We are drafting our legal arguments to challenge the law, raising funds and building a coalition to take action,” Szabo said.

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