Booksellers' Sales Tax Letter-Writing Campaign 'All Part of Shop Local'

The American Booksellers Association is calling on booksellers in 44 states that collect sales tax to write to their governors today to urge that online retailers with in-state affiliates be required to collect and remit sales tax in accordance with existing laws. Last week, 11 independent trade groups wrote to the governors and asked them to equitably enforce existing tax laws. Forty-five states currently charge sales tax; however, New York State has already begun enforcing sales tax collection on online purchases under the Internet Sales Tax provision, which became law on June 1.

"We understand that this is an extremely busy time for our members," said ABA COO Oren Teicher. "But in view of the current economic climate and the many states projecting significant budget shortfalls, we believe it is crucial for booksellers to write to their governors now. We hope booksellers will spare the time to send the letter we've provided." Teicher added that booksellers should feel free to adapt and send the letter to their state legislators, too, especially if they have previously spoken or met with them regarding e-fairness.

ABA Board member Steve Bercu of BookPeople in Austin, Texas, told BTW that there's definitely more urgency to the campaign for e-fairness, given the budgetary plight of most states. Considering the economic impact of independent businesses, he noted, encouraging people to buy local, or in state, will bolster the economy. "It's important to try to level the playing field and having states [enforce sales tax laws] is a big step in the right direction -- especially given that the state doesn't have to pass any new laws to do so," said Bercu.

Vicky Uminowicz at Titcomb's Bookshop in East Sandwich, Massachusetts, said that she adapted the template letter and e-mailed it to her governor and to her state legislator, Rep. Jeff Perry (R), with whom she has had an ongoing dialogue on sales tax equity. Perry, who was recently re-elected, is on Massachusetts' House, Ways & Means Committee.

Uminowicz said sending the letter is a no-brainer. "States are in dire needs of funds for such things as education, and these are funds we should be collecting," she said. "It is worthwhile to take the time to send it out. ABA has done all the hard work, so I feel I need to take the small next step necessary to complete the circle."

Urging the governor to enforce the equitable collection of sales tax "is important for me," said Judith Kissner of Scout & Morgan Books in Cambridge, Minnesota. "My bookstore is in a rural area, and we're the only indie around. But before we opened, folks got into the habit of buying online, and we're now in the process of reshaping their habits."

Kissner noted that it's hard to compete against the lure of what most consumers still incorrectly believe to be tax-free shopping. "It's just one more obstacle I have to overcome," she said. "And this is important revenue being lost in our state. This is all part of Shop Local."

To help booksellers in this crucial endeavor, ABA has prepared a template letter that can be adapted and sent. ABA is also asking booksellers to notify BTW Senior Editor David Grogan, via e-mail to [email protected], when they have sent the letter to their governor. This will help ABA compile information to support its sales tax lobbying efforts. --David Grogan