States Pursue Online Ad Taxes to Help Fill Budget Gaps

The pandemic-induced economic downturn has been a huge challenge for states trying to make their budgetary ends meet. Now, some lawmakers are looking to offset a drop in sales taxes and other revenue with new levies on digital advertising. Darcy Kooiker, a partner with Armanino in Bellevue, Wash., who specializes in state and local tax issues, says several states are already trying to roll out taxes on this famously difficult-to-tax sector. With many states kicking off their legislative sessions this month, more will likely follow, she told reporter Amanda Iacone in the latest episode of our weekly podcast, Talking Tax.