Press Releases

On May 6, 2013, the Senate passed the Marketplace Fairness Act (S. 743/H.R. 684). The bill gives states the ability to require out-of-state sellers to collect sales and use taxes – rather than relying on consumers to remit those taxes – if states simplify their sales and use tax systems.  The bill was referred to the House Judiciary Committee and awaits action in the House.

Congressman Steve Womack (AR-3), the original sponsor of H.R. 684, today commended House Judiciary Chairman Bob Goodlatte (R-VA) for releasing his seven governing principles and moving towards leveling the playing field between online-only and brick-and-mortar retailers with regards to sales tax collection.

Womack released the following statement:

“For over twenty years, this tax loophole has forced more and more of the small businesses that line our Main Streets to shut their doors.  Congress must act to fix this injustice, and Chairman Goodlatte’s principles are a huge step in that direction.  His principles reflect the spirit of the Marketplace Fairness Act, and I am extremely supportive of and encouraged by them.  I look forward to working with the Chairman and to being a part of a common-sense solution that levels the playing field once and for all and allows prosperity for brick-and-mortar and remote retailers alike.”

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