Missouri retail businesses are forced to compete at a big disadvantage against many internet sellers that are not required to collect sales tax on goods sold in our state.
Missouri is one of the few states that has not yet passed a law to put brick-and-mortar businesses back onto an even playing field with online sellers by requiring internet retailers doing business in Missouri to collect the tax regardless of whether the retailer has a physical presence in the state.
Aware of this, both the Missouri House and Senate passed similar legislation this week to remedy the issue. House Bill 554 is sponsored by Rep. J. Eggleston. Senate Bill 153 is sponsored by Sen. Andrew Koenig.
Wayfair legislation is a priority of Gov. Mike Parson and strongly supported by the Missouri Chamber and its Missouri Chamber Federation, a grassroots coalition of about 180 local chambers of commerce across the state.
“Missouri’s brick and mortar retailers — and particularly small businesses — who are required to collect sales tax on goods sold in our state face a keen disadvantage against the internet sellers who are not,” said Daniel P. Mehan, Missouri Chamber president and CEO. “The General Assembly’s work on this legislation is an especially timely move due to the economic hardship Missouri employers have faced from the pandemic, including the rise in online shopping instead of patronizing local stores. A Wayfair law will help level the playing field for all employers doing business with Missourians and applies the state’s existing sales and use tax fairly.”
