eBay has hired the Gibson Group to weigh in on the federal push to make give states that simplify their tax structures the right to force out-of-state retailers collect their sales taxes.
The New York Times reported Jan. 26 that 24 states have signed the Streamlined Sales and Use Tax Agreement, and three federal bills have been introduced.
On its website, eBay states its opposition to imposing Internet sales tax burdens on its small business vendors “who can least afford it.”
The tax will hit “small business expansion, which is fostered by Internet marketplaces like eBay, that is a major job creator helping to move the U.S. economy moving forward,” according to the site.
Joseph Gibson is leading the charge for eBay. He was former chief of staff to Congressman Lamar Smith, the Texas Republican who chairs the House Judiciary Committee, and deputy assistant attorney general for legislative affairs.