I am the owner and executive chef of Benedetto’s Ristorante Italiano in Land O’ Lakes, Florida. I recently heard about federal policies that, if passed, will create an internet sales tax for businesses and out-of-state customers purchasing items online. This greatly concerns me since my business may consider opening an online storefront in the future, creating and additional source of income for my family. I also purchase items online for my restaurant from out-of-state online retailers, and under this legislation, I would be required to pay yet another tax. By imposing new internet sales tax on businesses, the Marketplace Fairness Act and Marketplace Equity Act will discourage companies from expanding and creating website marketplaces to serve their customers.
I opened Benedetto’s in 2001, and from humble beginnings, I watched my business grow and develop into a successful local restaurant. In order to continue expanding and providing for my family and employees, I need to make smart investments without the burden of additional taxes. It would hurt my restaurant if I launched an online storefront that is subject to additional taxation which limits the ability to create additional jobs, reinvestment and expand our business. We pride ourselves in serving the Land O’ Lakes community, and we want to expand our presence here and online. These proposals will damage the prospects of businesses in my area and across the nation.
Ben Pumo, Owner and Executive Chef
Benedetto’s Ristorante Italiano
Robert Martin
7:49 am on Tuesday, November 27, 2012
I agree Mr Pumo,
I retired and transferred my entire career to the internet.
I now consult in my field online for a living and 90% of my
income is derived from that source.
Taxes would end that.
I have a great idea!
Let's create a National Tax Lottery!
Match 4 numbers out of 7 Win a government seized piece
of property of your choice valued up to 10,000.
Match 5 out of 7 numbers, win a foreclosed
home own in the state of your choice,
valued up to 250,000.
6 of 7 numbers and get tax exemption for 10 yrs.
And match all 7, tax exemption for life.
5.00 per chance.
We'd get a balanced budget. Even have an ongoing
surplus all by liquidating property the government needs to
get rid of anyway, and the big prize cost's us next to nothing
to provide. We already pay out billions to play
the lottery on a volunteer basis right? So let's advance this idea
into reality.
It's a Win Win. (Hell, half the states run a lottery now as it is
to help pay for Education and infustructure programs! Just have a
look at the record breaking jackpot for the Powerball today
as proof, and then tell me that a revenue creating model like that
can't be applied to replace the future tax plans that would force us
all to pay these unwanted "internet taxes.")
I say, let the government start & run a National Tax Lottery
and stop trying to sap what little profit we bring in as it is!
Good article Mr Pumo. Thanks!
Any other ideas?
Rob Martin-
ROBERTSNAMES.com
Ben Pumo
8:33 am on Wednesday, November 28, 2012
how much new taxaition is coming. This adminstratiom will limit us small business owners from paying descent wages, expanding and limit us from creating new jobs. Next time the voters, should vote on what the policies create jobs, not because the president has a nice smile, or because he seems like a nice guy, or you tget a free phone
. Cause the truth is, 10% Of the people reading this post are going to lose your job or are going to a job today that pays little. Id bet on it!! Start looking. I'm not Hiring, thanks to Obama care. I don't want to hear you all crying in 6 months when things get worse.
Alex Campoe
9:54 am on Wednesday, November 28, 2012
So, let's look at this another way. Is it fair that brick and mortar businesses selling, say, clothes have to pay sales tax but if you set something up through the Internet and the sale is not made in your state you don't? Or should we just go ahead and abolish sales tax altogether?
Kat Q
2:02 pm on Wednesday, November 28, 2012
Yes, taxing a brick and mortar building that sells goods to consumers is fair. Think about what it is that those taxes are supposed to pay for and you might get it. A storefront's customers use the infrastructure, something which has cost associated with maintaining. So unless your building is not accessible by car, doesn't receive emergency services or use any public utilites (like sewer) then.. yes you need to pay sales tax.