Responding to the news that Philip Hammond is considering 'Amazon tax' for online retailers, John O'Connell, Chief Executive of the TaxPayers' Alliance said:
"It would be wrong to introduce new taxes when the current tax burden is already at a 49-year high and growth is sluggish. What's more, the notion of a level playing field is merely a fig leaf, as a new Tech Tax would actually just make products more expensive for hard-pressed families who rely on cheaper deals online. Why should people buying online have to pay both VAT and a special online tax?
"Online businesses help to drive down costs for consumers and many innovative small businesses have tried to grow online to avoid the expensive brick-and-mortar presence of a shop, so this Tech Tax would in many cases be bad news for the little guy. One of the main reasons high streets are struggling is sky-high business rates, and it's ludicrous to think that the answer to this problem is more taxes elsewhere."
TPA spokesmen are available for live and pre-recorded broadcast interviews via 07795 084 113 (no texts)
Media contact:
Chloe Westley
Campaign Manager, TaxPayers' Alliance
[email protected]
24-hour media hotline: 07795 084 113 (no texts)
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Founded in 2004 by Matthew Elliott and Andrew Allum, and now with 80,000 supporters, the TaxPayers’ Alliance (TPA) fights to reform taxes, reduce spending and protect taxpayers. Find out more about the TaxPayers' Alliance at www.taxpayersalliance.com.
- TaxPayers' Alliance's advisory council.