Gov. Cuomo eyes proposal to add sales tax to all online purchases in NY
Posted: Updated:Gov. Cuomo has proposed a plan that would allow New York retailers to charge sales tax on all Internet sales.
The proposed legislation would require all companies that sell products online to collect state and local taxes, and comes of a recent Supreme Court ruling that allows some states to tax Internet purchases.
This proposal comes days after Cuomo announced the state is up against a $2.3 billion budget gap. Cuomo says the proposed law would generate $250 million in extra tax revenue for the state each year, and that it would help to level the playing field for traditional stores who cannot avoid charging sales tax the way online retailers can.
Marketing expert Jack Mandel agrees Cuomo’s plan would generate more money for the state, but says it wouldn’t benefit mom and pop shops in the long run.
“Unless they really reach out to small businesses, and I'm talking about now, the government, at all levels – state and regional – it's not going to help in the long run,” Mandel says. “Let them make zoning easier for people, let them make maintenance to their stores easier. And this has to do with our local economy, not Cuomo.”
In Syossett, Craig Markell says the proposed legislation would “definitely” deter him from buying online.
“If I could get it local right here, I would rather do it here,” he says. “It's quicker, faster, and easier than going through online and the credit card.”
Theresa Jilling, in Hicksville, says the legislation probably would not make her change her buying habits, “because it’s just easier, it’s more convenient” to shop online.
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Fire razes home in Old Westbury; 150 firefighters respond to blaze
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Firefighters battled a blaze at a home in Old Westbury Saturday morning.Firefighters battled a blaze at a home in Old Westbury Saturday morning.Bethpage FD: SUV smashes into Subway restaurant, injuring 8-year-old girl
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Pictures from the incident show the Honda almost completely inside the Boundary Plaza strip mall shop, and a parking pylon knocked on its side.
Pictures from the incident show the Honda almost completely inside the Boundary Plaza strip mall shop, and a parking pylon knocked on its side.
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Two people were tied up and held at gunpoint during an attempted robbery Friday night at a Freeport home, police say.
Two people were tied up and held at gunpoint during an attempted robbery Friday night at a Freeport home, police say.
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On Saturday, NYPD Commissioner Dermot Shea tweeted that after a thorough investigation, "It has been determined that the razor incident was indeed an accident."
On Saturday, NYPD Commissioner Dermot Shea tweeted that after a thorough investigation, "It has been determined that the razor incident was indeed an accident."
The NYPD officer injured after biting into a sandwich that contained a razor blade was the result of an accident, NYPD officials say.The NYPD officer injured after biting into a sandwich that contained a razor blade was the result of an accident, NYPD officials say.
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Dog Day Fridays for Dec. 6
Dog Day Fridays for Dec. 6
Manny is a 5-month-old male, Lab/Spaniel mix from Texas. He's an extremely playful, energetic and bouncy pup. He would thrive in a high energy home!
Manny is a 5-month-old male, Lab/Spaniel mix from Texas. He's an extremely playful, energetic and bouncy pup. He would thrive in a high energy home!
This week's dogs are up for adoption at Kent Animal Shelter. The shelter is located at 2259 River Road Calverton, NY 11933. Their phone number is 631-727-5731.This week's dogs are up for adoption at Kent Animal Shelter. The shelter is located at 2259 River Road Calverton, NY 11933. Their phone number is 631-727-5731.Chinese lantern festival lights up the sky above Citi Field for the holiday season
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A new lantern festival has taken over Citi Field, lighting up the sky starting Friday.A new lantern festival has taken over Citi Field, lighting up the sky starting Friday.Your Long Island 2019 Holiday Photos
Your Long Island 2019 Holiday Photos
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The 87th annual Rockefeller Center Christmas Tree lighting ceremony was held Wednesday, Dec. 4, 2019 in New York.The 87th annual Rockefeller Center Christmas Tree lighting ceremony was held Wednesday, Dec. 4, 2019 in New York.Your December 2019 Storm Photos
Your December 2019 Storm Photos
Do you have photos of the winter storm from the December 2019 storm? We want to see!Do you have photos of the winter storm from the December 2019 storm? We want to see!