eBay wants people to sign its petition to block a new tax.

eBay is calling on people to support its opposition to a new sales tax that it claims could put many small companies that use parcel delivery firms out of business.

The online auction site wants people to sign its petition against the Main Street Fairness Act, a bill being considered by the US House of Representatives.

If passed, the bill would require small online businesses to comply with a complex set of tax laws.

Previously, internet entrepreneurs such as those who operate on eBay have escaped sales tax because state and federal governments have found it too difficult to collect.

The petition, which is online, has already gathered 25,000 names.

It reads: "As your constituent and one of the 82 million registered eBay users in the US, I'm asking you not to impose any new sales tax laws on the internet."

Recently, eBay and online businesses received backing from Democrat congressman Paul Hodes of New Hampshire.

He has put forward a resolution attempting to block the new legislation.

Posted by Tom Sands

Article Added: 05/08/2010 11:09:55