Illinois lawmakers consider taxing satellite, streaming services
Illinois lawmakers are considering a five percent tax on streaming online services and satellite television.
The legislation, sponsored by Deputy Majority Leader Art Turner, D-Chicago, would tax the providers of streaming services like Roku and satellite services like DirecTV on 5 percent of their gross profits. It would also tax the subscribers one percent “for the privilege to witness, view, or otherwise enjoy the entertainment.”
Orland Hills Village Administrator Conrad Kiebles said he supports the tax. He told lawmakers in a House Revenue and Finance Committee that the new stream of tax dollars should be split 50-50 with the municipalities to shore up their budgets.
“We have upgraded our technology. We have increased our competition but we have never updated our statutes to keep up with the times,” he said. “It offers the most equitable way to add an additional $200 million in revenue into our coffers and add parity to competing services in our local communities.”
Read more: https://www.ilnews.org/news/state_politics/illinois-lawmakers-consider-taxing-satellite-streaming-services/article_bbff6efc-4f30-11e9-936a-97d8bfeef805.html