WFCA Backs Bill To Collect Web Sales Taxes

Anaheim, CA. Aug. 17, 2011 -- The World Floor Covering Association said it has endorsed Senate Bill 1452, “The Main Street Fairness Act” introduced by Senator Dick Durbin (D-IL), and its identical companion legislation introduced in the House of Representatives by Congressmen John Conyers (D-MI) and Peter Welch (D-VT).

The legislation addresses a fundamental unfairness that allows out-of-state Internet and mail order companies to avoid collecting and remitting state and local sales taxes while local brick and mortar stores are obligated to collect these taxes.

The “Main Street Fairness Act” would create a program that would require Internet and mail order sellers to  collect and remit sales taxes to states that elect to participate in the federal program.

The WFCA’s endorsement came after a unanimous vote by the organization’s Executive Committee.

“This legislation is long overdue and aptly named,” said Jim Walters, WFCA board chairman.

“In some states Internet sellers enjoy as much as a 10% price advantage over local brick and mortar retailers who are mandated by law to collect and remit sales tax to local and state governments. This legislation would make the playing field a little more level.”