I Am Flamingo - Latest Comments in Minnesota Affiliates Where Are You?

Re: Minnesota Affiliates Where Are You?

adriarichards — Fri, 20 Aug 2010 19:19:48 -0000

I just stopped over at the Revenews booth at Gnomedex and got schooled!

Had no idea that affiliate programs were causing so much juicy controversy! Learned the story of Connie who runs FlamingoWorld who opposed a bill in Minnesota that would tax sales generated by affiliate marketers as if they were directly selling or drop shipping inventory.

Let's imagine the following scenario to see why Connie opposed the bill (NOTE: I am not a lawyer)
- You need your taxes done
- You're going to hire someone to do it
- Accountants in your state must charge sales tax for their services

You liked the work of the accountant so you told a few people. Next time you go into your accountant, they mention four people had their taxes done because of your good words (aka referrals). They want to give you a break on your taxes to say thank you. You accept.

Should now be responsible for paying taxes as if you had done the tax returns for those four people?

Heck no!

In this case, you've accepted payment in the form of a gift or discount. This isn't the same as doing the actual taxes of the people you referred and potentially owing tax.

Thank you Connie for standing up for us in Minnesota!

Re: Minnesota Affiliates Where Are You?

couponicodes — Mon, 10 May 2010 01:00:33 -0000

Thanks, for the info.

Re: Minnesota Affiliates Where Are You?

Scott — Wed, 06 May 2009 22:08:13 -0000

It doesn't matter what you say, how many letters are written, they do not get what affiliation is and only care about getting more tax revenue. They don't understand that online merchants will just terminate all Minnesota affiliations and get nothing. Your government elected officials only care about raising money for the next election, collecting their high pay, lifetime full salary pensions and health care, while the rest of us get pummeled into poverty.

Re: Minnesota Affiliates Where Are You?

Kent — Sat, 25 Apr 2009 10:30:48 -0000

The last draft of the Senate Omnibus tax bill, I found https://www.revisor.leg.sta... has it, beginning on line 54.18.

I also see it in the House version https://www.revisor.leg.sta... beginning on line 176.1.

Re: Minnesota Affiliates Where Are You?

flamingogirl — Fri, 24 Apr 2009 12:59:18 -0000

when I looked on Monday it was not in the omnibus tax bill. I was out of state for a few days and am just catching up. Ugh.

Re: Minnesota Affiliates Where Are You?

flamingogirl — Fri, 24 Apr 2009 12:54:46 -0000

I was talking the senate version, May 18th is just the deadline for any action as the senate goes on break.

Re: Minnesota Affiliates Where Are You?

Chip Jones — Fri, 24 Apr 2009 12:47:55 -0000

Are you sure? According to NYAffiliateVoice at http://nyaffiliatevoice.com... it was rolled into House of Representatives version. What is being voted on, on May 18th? The main bill without this legislation or a separate bill that contains it?

Re: Minnesota Affiliates Where Are You?

flamingogirl — Fri, 24 Apr 2009 11:07:20 -0000

It was not rolled into the main tax bill which was voted on on Wednesday the 22nd of April. I am trying to find out the status but know for sure it will be voted on by the 18th of May when they go on break.

Re: Minnesota Affiliates Where Are You?

Chip Jones — Fri, 24 Apr 2009 10:18:03 -0000

Just heard about this today (April 24th) and have written my State Reps. Can someone provide an update as to where this legislation sits right now? I hear that it was rolled into the main tax bill. Sounds like it's making some progress...

Re: Minnesota Affiliates Where Are You?

Erin — Sun, 19 Apr 2009 22:33:59 -0000

I actually attended the hearing on Thursday too, and wrote to my Senator last week. The majority of my income comes from affiliate marketing, so like others, I am quite worried about being put out of business if this bill is passed.

Re: Minnesota Affiliates Where Are You?

Kent — Sun, 19 Apr 2009 10:51:42 -0000

Thanks for attending the hearing and keeping us informed.

I'd like to be there too if other commitments and the distance from the Capitol weren't a factor.

Kent

Re: Minnesota Affiliates Where Are You?

Lynn — Sat, 18 Apr 2009 14:54:04 -0000

Hi Connie,

I wrote an email to my Senator, Sharon Erickson Ropes last Wednesday stating my opposition to this bill. I am an affiliate marketer living in Winona, MN. This bill would basically put me out of business. Because I live on the border of MN and WI, I would probably end up moving to WI to save my business, but that means MN is forcing my daughter to leave her high school, her friends, and for all of us to leave family and friends because of this. With the economy the way it is and my husbands job shaky, we would have no other choice.

Lynn

Re: Minnesota Affiliates Where Are You?

lisariolo — Fri, 17 Apr 2009 10:45:40 -0000

If you are in MN and want yourvoice heard and your story told, start with a comment here. We can help you rally if you let us know you are willing to help