It might be one of the slowest times in the news, but that is not stopping at least two of Alabama's Big 10 Mayors from going on offense to raise the internet sales tax.
In the proposal offered for the 2025 legislative session by State Rep. Chris England (D-Tuscaloosa), the so-called Alabama Simplified Sellers Use Tax (SSUT) rate would increase from 8% to 9.25% and be distributed to the Education Trust Fund (ETF) budget, the General Fund budget, local boards of education, counties and municipalities.
A similar effort was tried during this year's legislative session but did not make it out of the House Ways and Means Committee.
Proponents claim they do not necessarily want to charge more for online purchases but to level the playing field for their brick-and-mortar retailers.
"I don't want residents to necessarily pay more, but I do want the equality that's in place for the sales structure we have in place right now as a municipality," Madison Mayor Paul Finley told Huntsville TV's WAFF." If we're at 9% that should be what our internet sales tax comes back to, just to have an equality standpoint."
To date, Finley has not raised the possibility of lowering his city's sales tax to allow his city's businesses to compete with online retailers.
Earlier this month, the City of Tuscaloosa pitched "reforming" the SSUT through England's bill. As reported by the Tuscaloosa Patch, Tuscaloosa Mayor Walt Maddox is seeking to close the so-called Kroger loophole, which he maintains robs his city of revenue because purchases are made online instead of in person at a brick-and-mortar retailer.
However, according to the Patch, despite Maddox's overtures and England's proposal, the Tuscaloosa County Commission unanimously voted to oppose changes to the SSUT.
Jeff Poor is the editor in chief of 1819 News and host of "The Jeff Poor Show," heard Monday-Friday, 9 a.m.-noon on Mobile's FM Talk 106.5. To connect or comment, email jeff.poor@1819News.com or follow him on X @jeff_poor.
Don't miss out! Subscribe to our newsletter and get our top stories every weekday morning.
