Verizon Supports Legislation to Protect Digital Goods and Serviced from Multiple Discriminatory Taxes 

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WASHINGTON, D. C. – U. S. Senators John Thune (R – SD) and Ron Wyden (D-OR), and U.S. Representatives Steve Cohen (D- TN) and John Ratcliffe (R-TX) reintroduced legislation (S. 765 & H.R. 1725 respectively) this week to prevent discriminatory and duplicative taxes from being imposed on consumer purchases of digital goods and services, including online downloads of music, movies, mobile apps, and cloud computing services. Without passage of the framework established in this legislation, Verizon believes multiple and disruptive taxes could threaten the strong economic growth and innovation experienced by this segment of the nation’s economy. The following statement should be attributed to Robert Fisher, Verizon senior vice president, Federal government relations:

“Americans are downloading millions of apps, movies and music selections every year, and that number continues to grow. We think it’s critical for Congress to step in and set forth guidelines to ensure consumers are not taxed more than once on the same digital product or service, and that any taxes imposed on digital commerce are the same as the taxes imposed of traditional commerce.

“We applaud members of the Senate and House for acknowledging the potential threat consumers face from multiple taxes being imposed on the same product, service or app purchased in today’s “borderless” digital economy, and appreciate their proactive efforts to ensure that does not happen.

“We look forward to working with Senators Thune and Wyden and Representatives Cohen and Ratcliffe to pass this legislation, establishing a fair and rational tax framework that states can follow to make sure consumers participating in the digital economy are not unduly burdened by duplicative and excessive taxes.”

Verizon Communications Inc. (NYSE, Nasdaq: VZ), headquartered in New York City, generated revenues of $130.9 billion in 2018. The company operates America’s most reliable wireless network and the nation’s premier all-fiber network, and delivers integrated solutions to businesses worldwide. With brands like Yahoo, TechCrunch and HuffPost, the company’s media group helps consumers stay informed and entertained, communicate and transact, while creating new ways for advertisers and partners to connect. Verizon’s corporate responsibility prioritizes the environmental, social and governance issues most relevant to its business and impact to society.

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Media contact:
Rich Young
973-943-7209
richard.j.young@verizon.com