Dear Chairman Thune and Senator Wyden:
On behalf of the members of the National Taxpayers Union (NTU), I would like to extend our enthusiastic support for S. 431, the Internet Tax Freedom Forever Act. This critically important bill would permanently ban taxes on Internet access. With the current moratorium scheduled to expire on October 1, the clock is once again ticking on freedom from discriminatory Internet taxation, and our members urge swift passage of S. 431.
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 Congressional action, taxpayers could be exposed to 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. Repeated short-term extensions increase uncertainty in the marketplace for both consumers and providers. 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.
Our members strongly urge all Senators to co-sponsor S. 431 and work toward its enactment ahead of the October 1 deadline.
Sincerely,
Brandon Arnold
Vice President of Government Affairs
