Main Street Fairness Act

This legislation would enable states to require Internet-only retailers to collect and remit sales tax for purchases in local states, helping level the playing field for independent businesses and Christian-store retailers.

Local independent businesses generate more powerful economic impacts than out-of-state businesses seeking tax avoidance. While the public generally believes the Internet is tax-free, local states and cities can’t fund basic services.

Independent businesses re-circulate substantially more money locally than chains and Internet-only competitors. Economic-impact research has found for every $100 spent at national chains $13 remain in the community compared to $45 when spent at locally owned businesses.

The proposed Main Street Fairness Act provides federal consensus and authority to make the voluntary 1999 Streamline Sales and Use Tax Agreement the national standard. It enables fair and efficient ways for Internet-only businesses to collect and remit taxes back to states.

U.S. Sen. Dick Durbin re-introduced the legislation in July 2011. There are two bills: S 1452 and Rep. John Conyer's H 2701.

Check the latest bill status at Thomas.gov. Just enter the bill numbers in the search box.

Frequently Asked Questions

Sample letter to your U.S. Representative

Sample letter to your U.S. Senator

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