By Richard C. Dujardin
WASHINGTON -- U.S. Sen. Sheldon Whitehouse is applauding the Senate's passage of legislation requiring large web-based retailers to collect sales taxes the same way that brick-and-mortar stores have to collect state sales taxes when they sell merchandise.
"One of the most common arguments we hear in the Senate is that government should not pick winners and losers. Unfortunately, our current tax laws are giving an unfair advantage to big internet retailers over local small businesses," said Whitehouse, a co-sponsor of the bill.
"I've heard from Rhode Island small business owners who are fed up with this unfair tax loophole and I'm proud that the Senate acted today to give them the even playing field they deserve."