Question: I am launching ShopRink, an online shopping community and am curious to know if there are any laws or things I should be aware of for providing a platform that allows global commerce. So the site is like eBay or Amazon and people from the USA may be selling items to someone in Europe and vice versa. ShopRink does not handle any of the transactions but charges a small fee for successfully sold products.
Any information on this would be helpful. I don't think there is anything to worry about but wanted to make sure.
Online business are required to follow the same federal, state, and local tax laws as regular businesses. If you are operating your online business in a state that charges a sales tax; or levies a gross receipts or excise tax on businesses you may have to apply for a tax permit or otherwise register with your state revenue agency. Online businesses are responsible for collecting state and local sales taxes from their customers when applicable, and paying these taxes to state and local revenue agencies.
Operating internationally requires many additional considerations from finding overseas markets and suppliers to shipping and tax regulations. Follow international trade laws for online business to be sure you are in compliance with all regulations.
Advertising and marketing on the internet is regulated very similarly to the real world, and many of the same rules apply. For additional information, visit our guide to Online Advertising Law.
NicoleD | Former Moderator | 7/13/2010 - 7:53 am
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