Alabama cities feeling left out on internet sales tax revenues

TUSCALOOSA, Ala. (WBRC) - It’s an ongoing battle among cities and counties in Alabama to grab a bigger share of internet sales taxes.

In fact, the mayors of Alabama’s top ten cities are working with lawmakers to file legislature that would hold some online companies more accountable in paying their fair share in taxes.

Tuscaloosa City Council President Kip Tyner didn’t beat around the bush about it. He’s been encouraging people to shop local.

In other words, visit the brick-and-mortar stores and buy things locally because those tax dollars go toward street paving and police, as examples. The problem is a lot of people are buying items online and cities like Tuscaloosa are losing a lot of money as a result.

“So I’ve always encouraged people to shop local. Don’t be so lazy that you do everything from your home. Now, I realize there are some things you can’t get local and you may have to,” said Tyner.

WBRC reached out to the city’s revenue office to determine just how much Tuscaloosa is losing every year in internet sales tax revenues. The city’s chief financial officer Carly Standridge released the following statement.

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