Modernizing Sales Tax Collection

Public Forum:  Modernizing Sales Tax Collection
Date: Wednesday, April 6, 2016
Time: 11-2pm
Location: Legislative Office Building - Hearing Room A
Contact person:  Brad Usher (212) 490-9535; usher@nysenate.gov
Media contact:  Justin Flagg (212) 490-9535; flagg@nyssenate.gov

New York State’s current system of sales tax collection has not kept up with changes in retail payment methods and technological innovation.  This forum will evaluate proposals for modernizing the collection of sales tax to improve its efficiency for retailers and to reduce the potential for fraud through sales tax suppression.  One tax researcher has estimated that sales tax suppression costs New York State $1.7 billion in revenue annually.  A number of other states and countries have adopted or are exploring the adoption of new technologies to address these issues.

TESTIMONY WILL BE BY INVITATION ONLY

Testimony should relate to suggested legislation or administrative changes that could modernize New York State’s Sales Tax collection system.  Among the questions that testimony should address are:

●       What technologies exist to address sales tax suppression?

●       What legislative or regulatory changes are necessary to reduce or eliminate sales tax suppression and create a more level playing field for businesses?

●       How can New York State modernize its tax collection system to reduce administrative burdens on businesses?

●       What solutions have been implemented in other tax jurisdictions and what lessons can New York learn from their experience?

●       How much revenue is being lost by New York City and New York State because of sales tax suppression?