Congress should not pass legislation that hurts free, local broadcasting by modifying the tax laws to make advertising more expensive for businesses. Advertising is currently treated as an ordinary and necessary business expense – just like salaries, rent and utilities – under the U.S. tax code. This means a business can fully deduct the expense in the year it was incurred. Some in Congress have suggested changing the tax treatment of advertising for specific types of products, such as pharmaceuticals. This change would have a devastating impact on listeners and viewers of local radio and television stations that rely on advertising revenue to survive, raises significant First Amendment concerns and ignores the important consumer benefits that advertising provides.
The District of Columbia Council is considering a new sales tax on advertising services, including digital advertising services and personal information. On July 6, the council released the committee print…
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What DC’s Advertising Sales Tax Proposal Means For Biz
Wendy Davis, DigitalNewsDaily Facebook, Google and other online companies could face new taxes in Maryland, if a bill passed this week is signed by the governor. The measure, SB2, would…
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Maryland Passes Digital Ad Tax
A federal appeals court in St. Louis has given Missouri broadcasters a reason to pop a few corks. The court upheld a lower court ruling that struck down three state…
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Appeals Court Hands Missouri Broadcasters Another Win In Battle Over Booze Ad Laws.