States Restoring Free Markets a Win for Everyone

Following the success of legislation and executive action in more than 35 states across the country, retailers continue to applaud governors and state legislators for acting swiftly to close the online sales tax loophole. 

State action on this long-standing priority for the retail community followed the U.S. Supreme Court's 2018 decision in South Dakota v. Wayfair Inc, which determined that states can collect and remit sales tax from out of state sellers who sell certain amounts, either by transactions or revenue, into a state. In the immediate aftermath of the Court's ruling, states began the process of reviewing and updating their existing statutes to begin the process of requiring remote sellers to begin sales tax collection. 

"Both red and blue state lawmakers have acknowledged that this is about restoring free-market principles and that no government should be in the business of picking winners and losers with the tax code," said Jason Brewer, Executive Vice President for Communications and State Affairs. "In addition to restoring basic fairness, these laws help ensure that state and local governments have the ability to fund important priorities without raising taxes." 

"In the wake of the WayFair ruling, states have proceeded with extreme thoughtfulness to ensure state laws follow the spirit of the Court's ruling. These laws are an important boost for local retailers that create jobs and invest in the community." 

R. Scott Shalley, president & CEO of the Florida Retail Federation, added, "We are glad to see these state legislatures taking action to support those retailers that invest in their respective states. Given Florida's longstanding history of being business friendly, we remain optimistic that the Florida Legislature will soon follow suit and level the playing field for Florida's 270,000 retailers." 

ICYMI: R. Scott Shalley: Let us Compete 

About the Florida Retail Federation 
 
The Florida Retail Federation is the statewide trade association representing 270,000 retailers -- the businesses that sell directly to consumers. Florida retailers provide one out of every five jobs in the state, pay more than $49 billion in wages annually, and collect and remit more than $20 billion in sales taxes for Florida's government each year. For more information, visit the FRF website, and follow FRF on Twitter.  

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RILA is the US trade association for leading retailers. We convene decision-makers, advocate for the industry, and promote operational excellence and innovation. Our aim is to reimagine and transform the retail ecosystem - and equip leading retailers to succeed in it.  

RILA members include more than 200 retailers, product manufacturers, and service suppliers, which together account for more than $1.5 trillion in annual sales, millions of American jobs, and more than 100,000 stores, manufacturing facilities, and distribution centers domestically and abroad.