Buyers in Wisconsin would be OK with paying online sales tax, according to a recent survey by the International Council of Shopping Centers.
The survey finds that 72 percent of respondents think it would be easier to pay online sales tax for items when they buy, instead of waiting until the end of the year to report their purchases to the state. It also finds that residents understand they are supposed to pay sales tax on online purchases.
In fact, 62 percent of respondents say they understand this. The study adds that 65 percent of respondents support efforts to require merchants to collect online sales tax, reports ICSC, a global trade association.
“The results of this study demonstrate that Wisconsin consumers support a tax policy that benefits both their retail habits and embraces 21st century commerce,” says Michael Kercheval, president and CEO of ICSC.
He adds that two bills Congress is currently considering—the Marketplace Fairness Act, which aims to simplify state tax laws and tax collection, and the Marketplace Equity Act, which would require the collection of online sales tax for certain merchants—would benefit residents.
“[It] will also level the playing field for all retailers in Wisconsin and raise much-needed revenue for services and programs,” Kercheval adds.