re: Edwards/Louisiana going after 2017 internet sales tax

quote:

---

While it's always been the law, it has also always been 'understood' that collection of sales/use taxes was the responsibility of the seller and if seller didn't collect, the state would not come after the buyer. Very sleazy move to retroactively begin enforcing a law that has always been ignored.

---

You are wrong here. This isn't the first time Louisiana has come after the buyer. It's just the first time they are doing so in this manner.

Back in the late 90s or early 2000s, the state was able to convince Thompson Cigar, a mail order cigar company, to turn over their customer list. The state then matched up the customer list with state returns. If you, as a customer, reported anything on the use tax line, they left you alone. If not, they audited you.

What I don't understand, is why does a business that is not in Louisiana have to follow Louisiana law? What teeth does the state have to go after a company that doesn't report the sales?