Florida Ponders Communication Tax on LANs

KingFish

TALLAHASSEE - At the urging of Tampa and a handful of other cities, a nearly forgotten provision in Florida's tax code is being dusted off by the state Revenue Department and could lead to the nation's first communications tax on multiuser computer networks.

Business lobbyists and others are scrambling to block the move, which some predict could trigger one of the largest tax increases in Florida history unless lawmakers eliminate the provision or halt its enforcement before adjourning April 30.

``This is a true example of the law of unintended consequences,'' said state Rep. John Stargel, R-Lakeland, who has introduced a bill that would abolish the 1985 provision but has been unable to get it past its first committee stop. ``This is a poster child for bad tax policy.''

Source: Tampa Tribune

Cyclonite

*Sigh* It's wonderful that I live in a place with such bright people. Why? Just... why?

Straight_Man

KingFish wrote:

TALLAHASSEE - At the urging of Tampa and a handful of other cities, a nearly forgotten provision in Florida's tax code is being dusted off by the state Revenue Department and could lead to the nation's first communications tax on multiuser computer networks.


Source: Tampa Tribune

URK! This could even have home LAN implications....

John D.

KingFish

Quick, hide the home net! The taxman is here. This should hit home for you John as you live in Florida. I sure hope this fails as I believe it's a terrible idea and a shameful way to raise taxes.

KingFish

mmonnin

Bah most Lans are just between friends anyway. There is no way they could charge that.

ryko

if there's a will, there's a way..............i wouldn't put anything past our wonderful public servants.

KingFish

I agree ryko, which is why it scares me sh**less.

KingFish