Mark Their Words

Cigarette tax just the start, some say:

The state’s pursuit of more than $1 million in back taxes and penalties from online cigarette customers could hint at the Department of Revenue’s plans to go after taxes on computers, books and other goods bought over the Internet, tax attorneys and analysts said Wednesday.

Department of Revenue officials disputed that speculation, saying they would pursue only online cigarette customers.

Sure, those particular officials say that now. But in a couple years, Wisconsin will have a different set of officials whose priorities will be to raise even more money, and the precedent–getting back taxes for Internet sales–will have been set by their predecessors.

So how much have you bought from Amazon in 10 years? Plus interest, thanks.

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