I got some information from Bob Morrison and wrote this to the chairman of our F & G committee asking for his help. He wrote a nice letter on our behalf to the Dept. of Revenue. He copied me on their reply. It basically said that they have to enforce the laws. It looks like we need a waive bill submitted exempting out of state venders from some of the requirements.

+++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++

I’m writing to ask your help on a problem we are having at our archery shoots here in Pennsylvania. It was brought to my attention last year at the Denton Hill traditional archery shoot last July. This shoot is said to be the largest in the country and people from across the USA attend it. I’m sure the income generated in restraurants and hotel rooms alone cause quite a blip on that screen in Potter County.

Several out of state bowyers had cancelled their plans to attend the show and sell their bows because of our tax regulations making it too much of a hassle. This concerns me because many of these guys do excellent work and these shoots are an opportunity for us to try their bows out.

While they are only there for a few days and only sell a few bows, our laws require that they dedicate a lot of time and money in the compliance of our unique tax laws. Most agreed to collect and pay the sales taxes on the stuff they sold at that show, but did note that this was the case in Pennsylvania only. They then had to obtain a tax number to be a vender at this show. Okay, again, but a pain. Then they had to report all sales that Pa. residents called in to their businesses in other states. Then Pa. told them they had to pay corporate income tax also. A quarterly tax return was required. So an accountant is required. All of this for 4 days they spent at an archery festival and the hope of selling a custom stick bow to someone.

I’m sure you’ll agree that we don’t need to discourage out of state businesses from doing business in Pa. If they all decide it just isn’t worth the hassle, it would be a sad day for Pa. and Potter County.

Isn’t their something we can do for this situation?

Thank you for your time and consideration.

Mark S. Hogan