Online cloud services just got more expensive in Chicago. There a new “cloud tax” went into effect July 1.
The tax could affect both small business that use cloud services and tech companies that pro
The new cloud tax targets online databases and streaming entertainment services. It’s a culmination of two recent rulings made by Chicago’s Department of Finance. One ruling covers “nonpossessory” computer leases and the second covers “electronically delivered amusements.”
The rulings extend preexisting tax laws to levy an additional nine percent tax on certain types of online services.
Remote databases or computing platforms such as Amazon Web Services and Lexis Nexis would be covered by the first ruling. Streaming media services like Netflix and Spotify would presumably be covered by the second.
According to The Verge, the new cloud tax law means that what passes as $100 of server time in Springfield would cost $109 if you’re conducting it from an office in Chicago.
Some lawyers say the new rule violates both the Federal Telecommunications Act and, in the case of the second ruling, the 1998 Internet Tax Freedom Act, which was designed to prevent discrimination against Internet-based services.
Michael Wynne, a partner at the law firm of Reed Smith told The Verge in an interview:
“I could do that same activity of research using books or periodicals without being taxed. So it does seem like I’m being picked on because I chose to do it online.”
Not only will the new cloud tax rule increase the price of online services, it will also add a new focus on localization, forcing companies to move their servers — and possibly even the offices that use them — outside the city limits.
Streaming services will have to keep close tabs on which subscribers fall under the new cloud tax, potentially through billing addresses or IP tracking, which is far more restrictive and is already used to enforce rights restrictions.
The new rule is one way in which cash-strapped cities are looking to boost revenue. Not so long ago, video and record stores brought in much-needed funds to big cities, but they’ve since shuttered their doors.
Netflix and other companies plan to add the tax to the cost charged to its Chicago customers, even though the tax is technically levied on consumers.
A Netflix representative told The Verge:
“Jurisdictions around the world, including the US, are trying to figure out ways to tax online services. This is one approach.”
Chicago City Hall Photo via Shutterstock
Given that Illinois was also the first state to apply sales tax laws to online retailers like Amazon (and thus get all the Amazon affiliates in the state kicked out of the program) I’m not surprise at all that they’d go this route. Typical government move to increase tax revenue at the expense of businesses.
Aira Bongco
They can find something new that they can extract tax with. It never ends. Sure, big businesses can keep up but how about the small and starting ones?