Get this. Here in the State of Washington, we don't have a State Income tax. We instead have a State Sales tax (8.9%). Anyway, our State lawmakers have noticed a drop in revenue that results from entities like Ebay, craigslist, and the like. So, by the letter of the law, if you buy something off of, say, craigslist.com from a private party (or any internet site for that matter) you will need to send in the 8.9% yourself (as the consumer). Now, nobody does, - but by the letter of the law you're supposed to.
Anyway, this is called a "use tax," - and our State government is beginning to get pretty aggressive in recovering this lost revenue from online-sales.
Is it just me, or does this seem over-reaching to anybody else? I mean, can you imagine being audited and paying back taxes, interest, & penalties on, say, clothing you bought over the internet 5 years ago?
Sheesh!
Thoughts?
-BT
