Idaho Internet Sales Tax Fails Again

BOISE, Idaho (AP) — The latest push for Idaho to join a national effort to collect sales taxes on Internet commerce has failed again. Tuesday's proposal didn't even win introduction in the House Revenue and Taxation Committee, marking the sixth straight year such a measure has died.

States are now forbidden from compelling many online retailers from collecting and remitting sales taxes, due to a U.S. Supreme Court ruling. This bill, like others in the past, foresaw Idaho joining states streamlining sales tax collection rules, to prepare for the day when Congress addresses that high court decision.

Proponents say Idaho's Main Street businesses that charge sales taxes are being disadvantaged as more commerce moves online. Foes including Rep. Lenore Barrett of Challis contend this is another way for greedy government to collect more revenue.