Jewelers of America has announced its support of the Main
Street Fairness Act (H.R. 5660), introduced July 1 by Rep. William Delahunt
(D-MA), which would allow states to require out-of-state sellers such as Internet
and catalog retailers to collect state sales taxes.

Ever since the Supreme Court ruled in 1992 that states could
not require remote sellers to collect sales taxes—reasoning that the large
number of jurisdictions made it too complex—online and catalog sellers have had
a tax advantage over traditional stores. But JA notes that the Streamlined
Sales and Use Tax Agreement, which has been adopted by 24 states, has
simplified the process, making it possible for remote sellers to use electronic
systems to collect various taxes.

JA launched a legislative action campaign in January that
asked members and others to contact their representatives and urge them to
reintroduce and pass sales tax fairness legislation. Nearly 300 businesses have
taken action since then.

JCK