If you make a profit via your blog and you live in Philadelphia, the tax man would like a word with you.
The city is collecting $50 a year or $300 for a lifetime busines privilege license if your web site makes a profit.
If a blog takes money for advertising, or sells photographs or other goods, it’s a business and must pay for a license — no matter how little it makes — plus taxes on profits.
A spokesman for Mayor Michael Nutter says it’s is nothing new and it applies to any revenue-making enterprise, from large corporations to neighborhood pizza joints and mom-and-pop businesses.
Some bloggers are complaining that the fee would impinge on their free speech and would discourage dissent. They also say it’s unfair to require business to pay taxes if they’re making only $25 or $50 a year.
This is the first thing I thought of. Taxman by The Beatles.
Let me tell you how it will be,
There’s one for you, nineteen for me,
‘Cause I’m the Taxman,
Yeah, I’m the Taxman.
Should five per cent appear too small,
Be thankful I don’t take it all.
‘Cos I’m the Taxman,
Yeah, I’m the Taxman.
(If you drive a car ), I’ll tax the street,
(If you try to sit ), I’ll tax your seat,
(If you get too cold ), I’ll tax the heat,
(If you take a walk ), I’ll tax your feet.
Taxman.
‘Cause I’m the Taxman,
Yeah, I’m the Taxman.
Don’t ask me what I want it for
(Taxman! Mister Wilson!)
If you don’t want to pay some more
(Taxman! Mister Heath!),
‘Cause I’m the Taxman,
Yeah, I’m the Taxman.
Now my advice for those who die, (Taxman!)
Declare the pennies on your eyes, (Taxman!)
‘Cause I’m the Taxman,
Yeah, I’m the Taxman.
And you’re working for no-one but me,
(Taxman).
This is what happens when you buy into the myth that we absolutely must, MUST lower the taxes on the top 0.02% of earners.