Missouri House Advances Effort to Tax Out-of-State Businesses Selling Online

The state House of Representatives has given first-round approval to an effort that would tax out-of-state businesses selling online to Missourians. The legislation might not result in a significant state revenue increase because it would be offset by lowering the state’s income tax rate. Bill sponsor J. Eggleston, of northwest Missouri’s Maysville, says a so-called Wayfair tax would allow homegrown businesses to better compete with internet businesses…

“Being an entrepreneur is not for the faint of heart,” he says. “There’s no free health insurance. There’s no two-week paid vacation. There’s no normal 9 to 5 schedule. It’s long hours – six or seven days a week and the struggle to not only financially take care of your own family but also all those of your employees while you serve your customers.”

Representative Brian Seitz (sites), a Republican from southwest Missouri’s Branson, opposes the bill and says he was elected to lower taxes. One more favorable vote would send the measure to the Senate.