New York state may begin taxing music downloads
New York, the state that brought us taxes on items bought over the internet is at it again. This time governor David Paterson is considering a 4% tax on music and other digital media downloads.
To be fair, times are tight and Paterson is also proposing raising taxes on soda, cable and satellite TV, gas, cigars, beer, and movie and sports tickets in order to balance the state budget. But at a time when residents finances are at least as tight as the state's, I imagine these proposals won't be very popular in New York.
Amazon, Overstock.com and other retailers are already fighting New York's internet sales tax in court. Something tells me Amazon and other companies that sell digital music and movies to New York citizens aren't going to take the new tax proposal sitting down.
To be fair, times are tight and Paterson is also proposing raising taxes on soda, cable and satellite TV, gas, cigars, beer, and movie and sports tickets in order to balance the state budget. But at a time when residents finances are at least as tight as the state's, I imagine these proposals won't be very popular in New York.
Amazon, Overstock.com and other retailers are already fighting New York's internet sales tax in court. Something tells me Amazon and other companies that sell digital music and movies to New York citizens aren't going to take the new tax proposal sitting down.













Comments
11
Subscribe to commentsbradwjensenDec 17th 2008 7:59PM
What are they spending all of their states budget on over there that makes them 'need' these extra dollars?
It sounds to me like some people over there need fired and replaced..
UpstateNewYorkerDec 17th 2008 7:59PM
All of New York State gets to support NYC. It sucks the big one.
EricDec 17th 2008 9:51PM
Other states already tax music downloads... I would hope that it will be a 4% tax - the same as the state sales tax.
Hopefully the counties don't follow suit and charge the other 4% that we're accustomed to.
MikeDec 18th 2008 8:34AM
"All of New York State gets to support NYC. It sucks the big one."
Are you kidding me? Since when does upstate NY economically support the endeavors of New York City and the five boroughs? You have no clue about the fiscal breakdown and how taxes are generated and distributed throughout the state for you to be making a comment such as that.
MikeDec 18th 2008 8:34AM
"All of New York State gets to support NYC. It sucks the big one."
Completely and utterly nonsensical statement. Please inform yourself on statewide tax redistribution in New York State.
EternalDec 18th 2008 8:34AM
So funny how the city has money to build a new Yankee stadium, then Wall Street has to be bailed out and now The Big 3 car companies (not in NY) need a bailout as well. Where is all this money going? hmm seems like the rich are keeping it in their pockets. Something needs to be done seriously the whole US economy is hurting and as a Native NYer it is already expensive enough to live in the damn city i wont be surprised if they start taxing us for the air we breathe.
KarlWDec 18th 2008 8:34AM
If you drive a car , I’ll tax the street,
If you try to sit, I’ll tax your seat,
If you get too cold, I’ll tax the heat,
If you take a walk, I’ll tax your feet.
verbatimDec 18th 2008 9:55AM
They are trying to tax you on the air you breath.
Last year, the Supreme court ruled that the EPA had the right to regulate CO2 as a "pollutant". What a ridiculous premise. And unfortunately, this idea once grabbed ahold of by politicians can (and ultimately will) be used to take more money out of your pocket.
How can CO2 be a pollutant? We exhale it every day. That means you are polluting right now!!
How can CO2 be a pollutant? Plants need it CO2 just like we need oxygen.
...And politicians for the upcoming administration are already floating the idea of taxing cow farts!!! (http://online.wsj.com/article/SB122913405823603643.html?mod=googlenews_wsj)
Be very careful what your wish for (and vote for). These crazies in Washington will do anything to take more money out of your pocket, thinking they know better than you where your money should go and how your money can grow the economy.
Jash SayaniDec 18th 2008 9:40AM
This would greatly increase music piracy and more visits to the p* bay.
mer2329Dec 18th 2008 9:44AM
ok people dont complain the highest sales tax in NY is 8.3/8 % (in NYC) thats not to high especially sence my citys (Chicago IL) tax rate is 10.25%
forunitely my city dosent tax music DLs (not yet) but if they do i can guarentee it will be higher than NYs
we even tax online purchases shipped from IL to another location in IL (dont know if NY does that)
Studio CITEFeb 13th 2009 9:01AM
Internet sales purchased within the state where the internet shop is located WOULD be taxed if shipped within that state - thats the way all state taxes originally worked - if you bought in IN the state, its taxed...internet or not, if the seller is in the same state. If you buy OUTSIDE the state you live in, the according to the old model, the state couldnt collect sales taxes on that item cause it wasnt sold in that state. But its now too big a market for states to ingore.