Wisc. Legislature Approves Download Tax

MADISON, Wisc. — Wisconsin lawmakers have approved a bill requiring a five-percent sales tax on Internet downloads including adult content. The tax goes into effect Oct. 1.

"This is not a straightforward issue and it's going to take some time to have the system up and running," Wisconsin House Majority Leader Tom Nelson said.

A representative with the Illinois Department of Revenue told reporters that Illinois looked into taxing the web as well, but opted out because of the difficulty of taxing businesses that don't have physical locations in the state.

Wisconsin Gov. Jim Doyle has said that the tax — music, E-books, greeting cards and ring tones — will generate about $11 million over the next two years. The state is short almost $600 million for the budget ending June 30, and the next budget faces a deficit of $5.7 billion.

A similar proposal presented two years ago did not make it out of committee.

Related:  

Copyright © 2026 Adnet Media. All Rights Reserved. XBIZ is a trademark of Adnet Media.
Reproduction in whole or in part in any form or medium without express written permission is prohibited.

More News

BranditScan Rolls Out 'UrLinks' Platform Feature

BranditScan has introduced its new UrLinks homepage feature for creators.

UK Outlaws Content Featuring Choking, Adults Portraying Children

The U.K.’s Crime and Policing Bill received final passage in Parliament on Monday, including provisions criminalizing depictions of “non-fatal strangulation” as well as sexual content in which adults portray children.

Grooby Launches 30th Anniversary Campaign

Grooby is celebrating its 30th anniversary with a showcase campaign featuring 30 of the studio's newest models.

Island Conference Joins ASACP as Media Sponsor

Island Conference has signed on as an in-kind media sponsor for the Association of Sites Advocating Child Protection (ASACP).

Elly Clutch, Girthmasterr to Host 2026 XMA Creator Awards

XBIZ is pleased to announce Elly Clutch and Girthmasterr as co-hosts of the 2026 XMA Creator Awards, presented by premium creator platform Fansly.

FSC: TAKE IT DOWN Act Provisions Take Effect May 19

The Free Speech Coalition has issued a reminder notice that the notice-and-removal requirements of the federal TAKE IT DOWN Act will go into effect on May 19.

Venus Berlin Joins ASACP as Media Sponsor

Venus Berlin has signed on as an in-kind media sponsor for the Association of Sites Advocating Child Protection (ASACP).

XBIZ Miami's Host Hotel Sold Out; Additional Hotel Added

Guest rooms at XBIZ Miami’s exclusive conference venue, Goodtime Hotel in South Beach, are now completely sold out.

Penthouse Wins Trademark Infringement Case Against Fraudulent Domain

The World Intellectual Property Organization (WIPO) has ruled in favor of Penthouse World Media in a case against a website using an infringing domain.

'Collective Corruption' Relaunches Through PAYSITE

Fetish and BDSM membership site Collective Corruption has relaunched through PAYSITE.

Show More