Lifestyle

The New Controversial Change To E-Commerce

by Ally Batista

I’m the actual definition of an online shopping addict. I cannot go more than a few hours without at least perusing my favorite online boutiques, and it’s very rare if I ever go more than three days without purchasing anything.

The convenience! The options! Why would I ever shop in a mall? I could lay in bed and not make any effort to fix my bed head mess of a hair style, and still purchase whatever I want. Not to mention the deals: I’m your girl for online shopping coupons.

But, apparently, the government doesn’t care about how happy online shopping makes me. They’re about to instate a new act that quite frankly upsets me, and may change my shopping habits.

Yesterday, the Senate votes 74-20 to debate and amend proposed legislation, called the Marketplace Fairness Act that would require online retailers to charge its customers state and local sales tax, according to the New York Times.

The Senate is expected to vote on it by the end of the week and many in the business think the legislation will pass there. Obama does in fact support this bill, but it will need to pass the House of Representatives after the Senate signs off, before it goes to the President for his final signature.

If this bill passes, all Internet retailers will be required to collect taxes for the state and local governments of the buyers. Experts predict it could bring in $22 to $24 billion in taxes for local governments—money that will go towards schools, public works, etc.

I mean, I think this is a good move. I’m just also upset about it. You know, typical indecisive female. What do you think?

Ally Batista | Elite.

Twitter: @allybatista

Photo Credit: Getty Images