Cigarette tax just the start, some say
But state denies it would seek to collect taxes from other products bought over the Internet
By PATRICK MARLEY
pmarley@journalsentinel.com
Posted: July 20, 2005
Madison - 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.
They also said Wednesday that they recently received lists of Wisconsin customers from four more such businesses that would generate at least $2 million more in tax bills.
With people increasingly buying products online without paying the state sales tax, experts said the department would soon seek ways to collect those funds.
