Chicago’s are getting pimped – AGAIN. First, it’s was those freaking parking meters. Now, the state is coming after us.
Yes, my fellow Chicagoans. The geniuses running our state government value our residency so much that they NOW want to charge shoppers for sales tax on online purchases made from June 20, 2004 to the present. And they are giving us amnesty to pay it back through October 2011. How noble of them.
I can’t say I understand where they are coming from with this one. I know they need money according to news reports, but pimping residents in an already busted economy really won’t help the situation. In November 2010, the Illinois unemployment rate was 9.6% which was two points lower than the national unemployment rate of 9.8%. This is the first that the Illinois rate was lower than the national rate since January 2007. So, it’s almost three years into the economic crisis and people are still hurting, yet the state wants online shoppers to help with the budget.
According to the Crain’s Chicago article,
“Illinoisans can often dodge sales taxes by shopping online, but the state is hoping to collect on those taxes next year by offering a sales tax amnesty.
A new law allows people who didn’t pay sales tax on items bought online, through the mail or over the phone between June 20, 2004, and the end of 2010 to pay what they owe without penalty. The tax amnesty runs from Jan. 1 through Oct. 15.”
Doesn’t this violate some type of right to shop law or a civil right? If there are no requirements for the retailers to tax during the purchase, why should we have to pay for things we don’t remember purchasing five to six years later? That is so not fair. While online shoppers are paying this tax, how are non-online shoppers contributing to the budget?
What are your thoughts on online shoppers being pimped for purchases made over 5 years ago?
I am SO ready to get out of this state. My family has been here since the late 1800’s. Lincoln would be spinning in his grave if he could see the state now. I’m a down stater, but was born in Chicago. Couldn’t wait to get out of the city. Hated everything about it, including the taxes…..especially real estate taxes. The long arm of the bloodsucking Quinn will just keep driving more and more people and businesses out of this state.
I am with you. When you find your next state, please let me know. I may follow you. In fact, I may be in your suitcase.