The Hill News

As Congress returns to session next week, tax fairness will be high on the agenda as both sides of the aisle gear-up for debates regarding the federal budget, the Buffett tax, and deficit reduction strategies. Amid the political pyrotechnics likely to result, another lesser-known but potentially sweeping tax fairness issue could also be discussed with a bill introduced in the Senate that could help limit the sky-rocketing tax burden being carried on the backs of the more than 300 million Americans who subscribe to mobile phone services.

The Wireless Tax Fairness Act (S.543), sponsored by Senators Ron Wyden (D-OR) and Olympia Snowe (R-ME), will help mitigate the discriminatory tax drain on mobile consumers who today, spend an average of nearly 14% on state and local fees, making wireless taxes almost double the average state sales tax. The Act will implement a five year moratorium to prevent the implementation of any new taxes imposed solely on wireless services.

And not a moment too soon.

Read more...