Bradley Partner Bruce Ely Quoted in BBJ on Potential Impact for Alabama of Supreme Court’s Ruling on Online Sales Tax

Bradley attorney Bruce Ely was quoted in the Birmingham Business Journal on the Supreme Court’s recent decision to allow states collect sales tax from online retailers without a state presence. The ruling could provide a lift to local retailers who have helped the state weather a turbulent time in the national retail landscape. But experts say realizing the rewards of the program won't happen immediately.

“The decision will eventually level the playing field for our brick-and-mortar retailers, at least in terms of sales taxes, but it’ll take time," said Ely. "And the revenue impact on the state and local governments will likewise take some time. The major triggering event will be new state legislation, but unless Governor (Kay) Ivey decides that a special session this fall is needed, that can’t happen until next spring."

Ely explained that the delay will give the business community, the Alabama Department of Revenue, self-administered cities and counties – and their contracted audited firms – time to develop legislation.

The complete article, “What Supreme Court’s online sales tax ruling could mean for Alabama,” appeared in the BBJ on July 2, 2018. (login required)