It’s never enough: MN Dems propose 40-cent retail delivery tax

Forget the projected $18 billion surplus. Democrats at the state legislature are looking under every rock for a chance to raise taxes.

The latest proposal involves a 40-cent tax on every retail delivery in the state. Think pizzas, Amazon, Uber Eats — just about any retail item you could have delivered to your home, except groceries, would be subject to the tax. And unlike brick-and-mortar stores, clothing would be subject to the delivery tax.

It’s HF 580, introduced by state Rep. Erin Koegel (DFL-Spring Lake Park) and based on a law in Colorado that took effect last year.

Of course, in Colorado, the tax is only 27 cents per delivery. In Minnesota, the tax would begin next year at 40 cents and quickly ramp up to 50 cents per delivery. The tax would be imposed on every delivery by motor vehicle. Drones would, presumably, be exempt.

Those nickels and dimes add up. When fully implemented, the tax is expected to raise $128 million per year.

To quote George Harrison and the Beatles,

(If you drive a car)
I’ll tax the street
(If you try to sit)
I’ll tax your seat
(If you get too cold)
I’ll tax the heat
(If you take a walk)
I’ll tax your feet

The revenue projections for the proposal are below.