House Bans Government From Taxing Internet Access

Press Release

The U.S. House of Representatives passed H.R. 235, the Permanent Internet Tax Freedom Act, which makes the Internet Tax Freedom Act (ITFA) permanent, and prohibits state and local governments from imposing multiple or discriminatory taxes on internet access and electronic commerce purchases. The IFTA passed in the House in 2007 with Representative Westmoreland's support, and approved a seven year extension on the Internet tax moratorium. The ITFA was extended by Congress in 2014 for one more year and is set to expire October 1, 2015. Representative Westmoreland supports making the moratorium a permanent ban on taxing internet access, and is a cosponsor of H.R. 235. Below is Representative Westmoreland's statement.

"The American people are already overtaxed by a government that is unaccountable and untrustworthy," stated Westmoreland. "Congress needs to find solutions to ensure tax stability, while also guarding against unfair and inefficient tax practices -- not add more burdensome taxes onto the backs of hardworking Americans. The Permanent Internet Tax Freedom Act ensures that Americans have access to all the opportunities the internet offers, and that access remains tax free. I supported the Internet Tax Freedom Act back in 2007, and I support making internet access permanently tax-free today."

The Permanent Internet Tax Freedom Act is supported by various associations, such as the National Taxpayers Union, National Association of Telecommunications Officers and Advisers, and the National Association of Counties.

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