House committee kills online sales tax bill

Try, try, again. After a house finance subcommittee voted to kill the proposed online sales tax bill, sponsor Senator Emmett Hanger (R-Augusta) has vowed to revive the cause during next year’s session.

The proposed bill was championed by many traditional brick and mortar retailers and retail organizations such as the Retail Merchants Association and the Virginia Retail Federation, who saw the bill as removing a competitive advantage held by online retailers.

Opponents, such as the Northern Virginia Technology Council, said the bill would fail to deliver on promised revenue, and would sever Virginia’s relationship with Amazon and Overstock.

“One of the issues I need to overcome in the next year is that this is not a new tax,” said Hanger. “The Department of Taxation could show up on people’s doorsteps at any time and do an audit on online purchases.”

Hanger said he would spend the next year educating citizens about the issue and begin talks with the NVTC, as well as push for a universal online sales tax law.

Working like a dog: Richmond startup shows off its tricks

Man’s best friend is a loyal and lucrative customer for a Richmond startup.

Best Bully’s has quickly grown as a web-only retailer of organic dog treats. The company sells more than $1 million a year in products (and less than $5 million) and will expand soon from 2,500 square feet to 8,500 square feet on Marshall Street near VCU. Read more