Bookseller Testimonials Still Needed in Support of Federal Sales Tax Fairness

Printer-friendly versionPrinter-friendly version

The American Booksellers Association is asking bookseller members to provide either a written or video testimonial in support of federal sales tax fairness legislation that would level the playing field for Main Street retailers. The U.S. House of Representatives Committee on the Judiciary could hold a hearing on sales tax fairness as early as late February or early March, according to media reports.

Booksellers who wish to provide testimonials should focus on one of two things:  

1. Why we need to level the playing field so that all businesses can compete fairly; or

2. How easy it is to integrate and use web-based sales tax collection software, if the business is using integration software.

To offer a written testimonial, booksellers should provide a brief overview of why they support sales tax fairness and explain how it is important to their businesses and their communities. The testimonial can be any length, and Grogan stressed that “even a few sentences in support of a sales tax fairness bill will have an impact.” Booksellers should be sure to include their name, the name of their business, and where it is located. Written testimony should be e-mailed to Grogan at [email protected], who will then forward it to the Judiciary Committee staff. Booksellers should also send their testimony to their own members of Congress.

A video testimonial can be recorded using a smart phone or a flip cam. Before making the video, booksellers should jot down a few points they wish to make about their support for sales tax fairness. They should then select the location where they want to record their testimonial (e.g., inside the business, ideally with staff in background; outside the business, with the store name visible in background; or on the street where the business is located). The video testimonial can range from just 30 seconds to two minutes in length. In the video, booksellers should be sure to include their name, the name of the store, and where it is located. Videos should be e-mailed to Grogan at [email protected].  Booksellers should also send their video testimony to their own members of Congress.

“I realize there have been many ‘asks’ in the campaign for sales tax fairness, but we believe this communication to the Judiciary Committee is that important,” Grogan said.

Booksellers who have questions regarding sales tax fairness or about creating a testimonial should contact Grogan at [email protected] or (800) 637-0037, ext. 7562.