Shop.org pushes against multiple taxes on e-commerce

Shop.org, the digital arm of the National Retail Federation, has asked members of the US Senate to support a permanent extension of the ban against multiple taxes on electronic commerce.

The Senate Commerce Committee is expected to consider a permanent Internet tax moratorium in an Executive Session.

"Permanently extending the Internet tax moratorium will broaden the reach of technology and help eliminate what remains of the digital divide," said Scott Silverman, executive director of Shop.org, in a letter sent to members of the Senate Commerce Committee.

"The moratorium helps to ensure that all Americans have affordable access to the Internet and can connect with those businesses that can best serve their needs."

According to The State of Retailing Online 2007, online sales this year are expected to rise 18 percent to $259.1 billion. Shop.org, whose 600 members include Amazon.com, Microsoft's MSN Shopping and eBay, has been actively involved in lobbying for e-commerce firms since its inception in 2001.