Sporting Goods Excise Tax Modernization Act

Marketplaces treated as importers for sporting goods

This bill would treat certain online marketplaces as the importer and seller for the federal excise tax on sporting goods. It would apply when the marketplace both lists or advertises the item and collects the buyer's payment, the item is shipped to the United States from abroad, and the marketplace is not the manufacturer. The Treasury Secretary would have to issue rules saying which marketplace counts and how related persons are treated. The rule would start for sales in calendar quarters beginning more than 60 days after enactment. If enacted, this could shift tax and compliance costs onto marketplaces and sellers and might affect consumer prices.