Virginia Small Business Owner Speaks Out Against Senate Passed Marketplace Fairness Act

September 24, 2014

Last week, Virginia small business owner,  Jonathan Gonzales, wrote a letter to the editor of the Roanoke Times expressing his concern and frustration with the Senate passed Marketplace Fairness Act.  If enacted into law, the Marketplace Fairness Act would require hundreds of thousands of small tech-enabled businesses, like Gonzales’, to collect and remit sales taxes for taxing jurisdictions across the country.  It would also allow states to impose rules and regulations on businesses not located in their state.

"For a business like mine, the mere threat of all of these massive compliance burdens could make me question whether I should even be in business."

“The “countless localities” with separate tax codes that the Times refers to is actually more like 10,000 – each of which, as a small e-retailer, I’ll have to comply with. If I don’t, I could be pummeled with audits, from places where I have no presence, no representation and no government services,” explained Gonzales.  “For a business like mine, the mere threat of all of these massive compliance burdens could make me question whether I should even be in business, or whether it’s easier and safer just to call it a day.”

Learn more about the potential impact of the Senate passed Marketplace Fairness Act on small businesses all across the country.  To read Mr. Gonzales letter to the editor, please visit the Roanoke Times.

Video: Jon Gonzales Shares His Business Story