In another bid to extract blood from a recession-suffering turnip, NY state is attempting to enact an “iPod tax.”
The state is staring at a $15.4 billion deficit so Gov. David Paterson is proposing an “iPod tax” as part of his state budget. Under the plan, New York would charge state and local sales tax for “digitally delivered entertainment services,” according to a story in The New York Daily News.
That includes e-books downloaded to Amazon’s Kindle as well as for the digital songs obtained from Apple’s iTunes. If the state legislature passes the governor’s plan, the price of digital content for New Yorkers is sure to go up. The tax would also apply to sporting events, movie tickets, taxis, and satellite TV and radio.
For me, it won’t matter. Over the past several years, I’ve owned @ least 5 iPods & I was a late bloomer. During the incarnations of all those devices, I’ve never “bought” a download. Not that I wouldn’t but until they allow me to be free to do what I want with any shiny new mp3 I purchase, making it DRM-free, I probably never will purchase anything. But clearly I’m unaffected by this anyways because Tennessee is one of over fifteen states that has had this tax.
Now as long as they don’t apply these taxes to porn, we’re good. Until then, I’ll quietly continue my life on the wrong side of the law as a no-tax-paying, e-Wesley Snipes.
New York Considers Taxing iTunes Downloads [CNet]
Busta Rhymes Feat. Ne-Yo & Missy Elliot – Freakin You
Termanology – We Killin Ourselves (Prod. by Pete Rock)
Nino Bless – Murdera
Starrs & Murph Feat. Naledge of Kidz In The Hall – Marry You
Naledge – Birdwalk Freestyle
Johnny Poygon – Melt My Heart (Green Lantern Adele Remix)
Justin Timberlake Feat. T.I. – If I (Produced By Timbaland)
