The big question: should the government implement online sales tax? Florida is in turmoil attempting to come to a consensus whether or not putting sales tax on websites is the right approach to take. Some Floridians state that online taxing will decrease the amount of online shopping done over the holidays and overall. Most people flock to the internet in search of deals that can not be found in store- such as non-taxed items.

Typically, purchasing online comes out to be cheaper than going to a retail store and buying the exact same thing. Most likely because the items have less manufacturing steps to go through. Therefore, if tax is added online what is going to persuade stealthy shoppers to create an online shopping cart? Online shopping has never affected the income of normal shopping due to the convenience of purchasing something and having it readily available, unlike the “3-5 business days” wait for online orders.

Many are concerned and impatiently waiting for a decision to be made. Would any websites or items be exempt from tax if this law was enacted? No announcements regarding whether or not the law will be put in place have been made, yet some are attempting to point out the possible “benefits” that would come from announcing online sales tax.

If executed properly, the tax collected from online purchases could potentially ease the economy’s extreme debt. It is quite obvious how poor the United States’ financial stands these days. Moreover, if the government were to collect more taxes from the citizens, could that possibly benefit enough to assist the rise out of the economic downfall?

As an avid online browser, would applying tax affect the decision whether or not to venture into the Hunger Games; also known as the mall during the holiday season? Would crashing the online market but creating a rise in the department store cliental be enough of a profit increase to balance itself out monetarily? Everyone knows that “it’s all about the money.” Obviously, the major appeal to online marketing was the “tax free” promotion- which yet again ties into money.

Therefore, a major money maker for many websites could possibly run out of business. There is a lot to think about regarding whether or not annihilating citizens dreams of a “tax free wonderland” is an intelligent option at this point in time. From a financial outlook, can Florida handle a mass market catastrophe?

Many are split between the two sides. Florida definitely has a difficult decision to make. As far as the average American knows, there are relatively equal pros and cons to the topic. Is there something that is not known to the public? Let’s just hope that in the end everyone can peacefully come to a conclusion that pleases the majority.