To the Editor:
The Corridor Nine Board of Directors has taken a strong position in opposition to the 6.25 percent software and IT tax included in the recent transportation bill enacted July 31, 2013.? At this critical time when MA is trying to expand its technology industry and attract new IT business to the Commonwealth, this IT tax discourages new business development as well as existing IT business expansion. Corridor Nine Chamber has been advocating its opposition to the IT tax since the beginning of April, contacting all of the State Senators and Representatives to vote against this tax, the first “services” tax ever enacted in the state.
Corridor Nine Chamber has members in the smallest IT business to the largest global corporations and all have been adamantly opposed to this tax for the last six months. This tax will suppress many of the exciting new technologies that have been developing in our innovation economy. Not only will technology companies need to negotiate with each client on what services are actually taxable, but with their increased costs due to the tax they will face the challenge of being non-competitive with technology companies in other states.
Corridor Nine Chamber of Commerce suggests serious consideration in repealing this part of the transportation bill.? While we certainly understand the Commonwealth's need for revenue, we request that in the future when considering new taxation on business, there be more of a partnership and dialogue that includes both business organizations and small and large businesses.
Board of Directors
Corridor Nine Area Chamber of Commerce
Westborough