A Call to Action: Show Your Support for Sales Tax Fairness

With the U.S. House of Representatives Committee on the Judiciary expected to hold a hearing on sales tax fairness sometime in March, the American Booksellers Association is urging members to show their support for this important issue by creating testimonials and meeting with their representatives at local district offices during the mid-February congressional recess.

“The upcoming hearing presents a tremendous opportunity to affect the legislative process and show the committee that sales tax fairness is, and has always been, a small business issue,” said David Grogan, senior public policy analyst for ABA. “This may be the last chance this legislative session to have a big influence on the process, and we strongly encourage booksellers to make their voices heard by reaching out to their members of Congress by creating a testimonial and/or by meeting with them face-to-face.”

Beginning the week of February 17, members of Congress will be back home in their districts, and this period is a convenient time for booksellers to meet their elected officials to discuss the importance of sales tax fairness. “I would even recommend inviting your representative to your store so your message makes an even bigger impression,” Grogan said.

ABA is also asking booksellers 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. Booksellers who wish to provide written or video testimonials should focus on one of two things: Why we need to level the playing field so that all businesses can compete fairly; or how easy it is to integrate and use web-based sales tax collection software. Learn more about creating a testimonial here.

To submit a testimonial, booksellers should e-mail David Grogan, who will then forward it to the Judiciary Committee staff. Booksellers should also send their testimony to their own members of Congress.

Booksellers who have questions regarding sales tax fairness or about creating a testimonial should contact Grogan via e-mail or at (800) 637-0037, ext. 7562.