Internet Sales Tax Will Hit Pa. Hard If Approved

PITTSBURGH (NewsRadio 1020 KDKA) - Consumers in Pennsylvania could pay more on an internet sales tax bill if the legislation passes in a vote later today in the United States Senate.

The bill could change sales tax in Allegheny County to 7 percent, while the surrounding communities will be taxed 6 percent.

The law applies only to online sellers who don't have a physical presence in the state and have sales of at least $1 million per year. Pennsylvania has already cracked down on internet retailers with a physical presence in the state, bringing in more than $30 million since last September.

The new legislation could potentially bring in $200 million for Pennsylvania. But consumer advocate, Mary Bach, believes that this legislation will cause more problems than solutions for Pennsylvania. Bach strives to fix the tax problem in Pennsylvania.

"I think that's an understatement," said Bach. "Let me tell you, the buyer better beware here."

She also says that there are too many nuances and applications to take in to consideration.

She adds that there are too many "quirks" in Pennsylvania on purchasing items that would make it difficult to keep track. For example, toilet paper and toothpaste have no sales tax, but mouth wash and batteries do.

Mike Pintek is live weekdays noon to 3 p.m. only on NewsRadio 1020 KDKA.