Law.com Subscribers SAVE 30%

Call 855-808-4530 or email [email protected] to receive your discount on a new subscription.

Online Retailers Lose Challenge to New York's Internet Tax

By Shari Claire Lewis
May 02, 2013

In a case that has far-reaching ramifications because of the exponential expansion of cyberspace in general, and because of the growth of e-commerce in particular, the New York Court of Appeals has rejected challenges by two major online retailers to New York's 'Internet tax,' which requires collection of a sales tax on online purchases made by New York residents. See , N.Y. Tax Law '1101(b)(8)(vi).

The court, in Overstock.com v. New York State Dept. of Taxation & Fin. , No. 33 (N.Y. March 28, 2013), was not persuaded by arguments by Amazon.com and Overstock.com that the New York Internet tax was unconstitutional on its face. The U.S. Supreme Court ultimately may have the opportunity to opine on the constitutionality of the tax, but for now, the New York Court of Appeals' decision will allow the state to continue to collect the Internet tax from online retailers.

Background

Read These Next
Major Differences In UK, U.S. Copyright Laws Image

This article highlights how copyright law in the United Kingdom differs from U.S. copyright law, and points out differences that may be crucial to entertainment and media businesses familiar with U.S law that are interested in operating in the United Kingdom or under UK law. The article also briefly addresses contrasts in UK and U.S. trademark law.

The Article 8 Opt In Image

The Article 8 opt-in election adds an additional layer of complexity to the already labyrinthine rules governing perfection of security interests under the UCC. A lender that is unaware of the nuances created by the opt in (may find its security interest vulnerable to being primed by another party that has taken steps to perfect in a superior manner under the circumstances.

Strategy vs. Tactics: Two Sides of a Difficult Coin Image

With each successive large-scale cyber attack, it is slowly becoming clear that ransomware attacks are targeting the critical infrastructure of the most powerful country on the planet. Understanding the strategy, and tactics of our opponents, as well as the strategy and the tactics we implement as a response are vital to victory.

Legal Possession: What Does It Mean? Image

Possession of real property is a matter of physical fact. Having the right or legal entitlement to possession is not "possession," possession is "the fact of having or holding property in one's power." That power means having physical dominion and control over the property.

Removing Restrictive Covenants In New York Image

In Rockwell v. Despart, the New York Supreme Court, Third Department, recently revisited a recurring question: When may a landowner seek judicial removal of a covenant restricting use of her land?