NTU urges all Representatives to vote “YES” on H.R. 3086, the Permanent Internet Tax Freedom Act (PITFA). This legislation would permanently ban taxes on Internet access.
Since 1998, Congress has barred state and local governments from imposing new or discriminatory taxes on Internet access. This has helped to create a dynamic environment where the Internet is thriving and bringing advanced communication capabilities to millions. Keeping the burden of new government-mandated access charges off Internet service has made entry to the Information Superhighway more affordable for Americans from all walks of life. Without the protections enshrined in H.R. 3086, taxpayers may be bombarded with an onslaught of new predatory “fees” and taxes.
Any nation seeking to remain technologically and economically competitive should not punish the very citizens who are reaching out into the digital realm, especially by levying charges that are unlikely to have anything to do with bettering Internet service. Taxpayers need long-term protection from state and local authorities seeking to add taxes to the various routes consumers use to access the Internet, and this bill would provide such safeguards. Passage of H.R. 3086 would constitute one of the most important examples of taxpayer protection legislation to come out of the 113th Congress.
Roll call votes on H.R. 3086 will be heavily weighted in NTU’s annual Rating of Congress and a “YES” vote will be considered the pro-taxpayer position.
If you have any questions, please contact NTU Federal Affairs Manager Nan Swift at (703) 683-5700