Seriously Philadelphia??

This just in from the City of Brotherly Love:

http://citypaper.net/articles/2010/08/19/blogging-business-privilege-tax-philadelphia

Apparently, they require all small businesses to pay for a $300 “privilege license” in order to operate. Apparently there are no exceptions… so bloggers?? Pony up the three Benjamins or be in some big trouble.

I am SO going to rush to Philly and start a business there now! I mean, if I had to choose a business friendly economy to start my small business in, I’m just so sure that I’d start it in Philly! This will do wonders for their economy, I’m sure.

<sigh>

Posted by Ckemtp on August 23, 2010 • Filed under: Uncategorized

Paul Wilson

This law seems unjust and antistimulative. It sounds like a slam dunk to get public support to repeal or reform it.
http://notesfrommosquitohill.com mack505

This brings up an interesting question. Where is my blog located? I’m here, the server is somewhere else, I can create content on my laptop wherever. Even if I wanted to pay this tax, to whom do I owe it? If it’s not attached to a bricks-and-mortar location, how can Philly tax it? Heck, maybe I owe them $300 too, even though I haven’t been there in 25 years.
Ckemtp

That is an interesting question indeed. Perhaps my blog is located in Philly as well? Perhaps it is located in Chicago… Is it located in the town that I live in? I’ve never once mentioned the name of the town I live in on the blog… but might I be required to buy a business license for my blog as well?

Laws and regulations are meant to protect us from unscrupulous private citizens… but who protects us from unscrupulous lawmakers?
http://notesfrommosquitohill.com mack505

The textbook answer is that we protect ourselves via the ballot box. Sadly, it doesn’t seem to be working anymore. Will we remember in November?