Watching Netflix is a Privilege According to Chicago

July 2, 2015 at 7:17 pm

I stumbled upon this story earlier.  Apparently Chicago’s Department of Finance has a new scheme for raking in other people’s money.  They want to tax Netflix usage.  Yes, the City of Chicago is hoping to rob its residents of about $12 million a year with a new 9% tax it will begin levying on Netflix.  But wait! That’s not even the best part.  Here is their explanation for this insidious new theft, as quoted by DSLReports:

“The amusement tax applies to charges paid for the privilege to witness, view or participate in an amusement,” states the city’s new ruling (pdf). “This includes not only charges paid for the privilege to witness, view or participate in amusements in person but also charges paid for the privilege to witness, view or participate in amusements that are delivered electronically.”

So there you go, ladies and gentleman.  You may only partake in amusements when your great benevolent overlords allow it.  But of course it will cost you.  Such a desirable service – you know, having to get permission – has to come at a cost.  I guess you Chicagoans should just be thankful that you were granted this wonderful privilege for free for as long as you were. 

I hope Netflix tells the Chicago Department of Finance to go pound sand, but that’s probably not going to happen.

netflix


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