Not right now. But there’s a chance that you might in the future: the moratorium on an internet tax expires November 1. The moratorium is sometimes referred to as the Internet Tax Freedom Act, or ITFA.
ITFA has been extended twice since 1998. It bans taxes on certain internet transactions at the federal level, but also prohibits state and local governments from passing similar taxes with the exception of nine states which were allowed to keep existing internet taxes. The internet transactions are: internet access (including dial-up, DSL, cable modem and wi-fi); “double tax” for products or services bought over the internet; and discriminatory taxes that treat internet purchases differently from other types of sales. Those nine states which are current exempt from the ban are Hawaii, New Hampshire, New Mexico, North Dakota, Ohio, South Dakota, Texas, Washington and Wisconsin; not surprisingly, most of the governors of these states appear to oppose making the ban permanent since the exemptions will not be included in a permanent bill.
Nonetheless, a handful of Senators, including John McCain (R-AZ), Trent Lott (R-MS) and John Sununu (R-NH) have suggested a permanent internet tax ban. Not surprisingly, fearing both loss of revenue and potential for abuse, there is opposition to a permanent ban on both sides of the political spectrum who have offered a number of alternatives. One suggestion is to limit the length of the moratorium rather than make the ban permanent – but so far, that isn’t getting much support.
What do you think? You pay tax on your phone connections, why not the internet? That is the loudest argument, after all, against the permanent repeal – the fact that cell phone service is taxed and is at an all time high. So, the thinking goes, how bad can it be? Well?
digg_url = ‘http://www.digg.com/tech_news/Do_You_Owe_Uncle_Sam_for_Reading_This’;
It’s officially fall here in Pennsylvania (wait… gimme a minute… I just had to savor that thought a little longer) and that means that it’s only a few short weeks away from the party season. You know what I mean, holiday parties, back to school parties, tailgate parties, galas, premiere parties, you name it.
One party that won’t be getting off the ground as planned this year is Freedom Fest. Oh, you didn’t get your invitation?
Freedom Fest was a party scheduled at the home of convicted tax evaders Ed and Elaine Brown. Federal, state and local officers made one arrest, 51-year-old Lauren Canario, after she made an attempt to enter the compound to attend the party despite a court order not to do so. The Browns are, after all, holed up in their compound and have vowed not to leave peacefully to serve jail time after being found guilty of felony charges. Not exactly a prime party venue – and definitely not an open invitation, so far as the feds as concerned, to pay the Browns a visit.
In fact, last week authorities arrested and indicted four supporters on charges of aiding and abetting the Browns. Three of the four men were arrested on weapons charges. The feds have repeatedly said that anyone helping the Browns evade authorities could be criminally prosecuted.
So, how do you know if the party invites you’ve received might lead to a possible criminal charge? Here are some things to look out for:
1, If the hosts of the party are convicted felons resisting arrest; or
2, If federal agents are guarding the site of the party in an effort to bar you from entry; or
3, If you RSVP to the party and hear “This is the Lord’s House” on the other end of the phone; or
4, If you’re asked to bring your own weaponry; or
5, If you’re asked to bring your own power supply; or
6, If the jewelry the hostess is wearing is an ankle monitoring bracelet,
I don’t care how good the hors d’oeuvres are, I’d find another party.
It’s only a test. Had it been a real tax emergency, there might have actually been a break in news about Paris Hilton’s house arrest to discuss a slightly more exciting one… that of Ed Brown.
Earlier today, SWAT team personnel arrived at land owned by Ed Brown in New Hampshire. Mr. Brown claimed on his blog that this was “apparently this was a test by the authorities”.
However, federal authorities reported that they did not approach Ed Brown’s home to confront the Browns but rather that their purpose was to serve a federal warrant to seize Elaine Brown’s dental office in neighboring Lebanon.
Various sources have reported heavy police presence and that neighbors have been evacuated from their homes. A phone called placed by the Associated Press to the Browns to confirm these details was allegedly answered: “This is the Lord’s House. This is Sister Elaine and Brother Edward.”
Brown has reported that his power had gone out twice and that an airplane had flown over the house, which he claimed was in anticipation of a raid. Authorities did confirm that an airplane was in the area but that it was an Associated Press photographer who was ordered to leave the airspace over the Browns’ home.
The Browns were convicted earlier this year on a number of charges including conspiracy to hide $1.9 million of income between 1996 and 2003. Though sentenced to jail, the two chose not to attend their sentencing hearings and have vowed not to surrender peacefully to authorities.
The Browns have garnered some supporters via the internet. Ed and his supporters maintain a blog here.
