Officials unnerve some at gun show

[Purplehood]

And I was thinking of starting a lemonade stand.

[Shorts]

But a spokesman for the Texas Comptroller's Office in Austin said canvassing events to make sure vendors have sales tax permits is a common tactic.

Then they should not be interrogating paying customers. Doesn't "vendors" mean those registered on the show list?

If that's the case, they're not following their own rules.

[Bob Landry]

Would you expect less from any government agency, state or otherwise? Just another reminder that the goons are coming, hide your assets. Luckily, there's more than one way to sell a firearm besides walking around a gun show with a sign fastened to your shirt. I wonder if they have bloodhounds that can track cash?

Edit: http://www.window.state.tx.us/taxinfo/s ... ml#permit1" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;
Here's a link to the Comptrollers Sales Tax FAQ. I skimmed through it pretty quick, but no where did I find any reference to the sale of a specific number of items. If anyone can find anything referencing this, please post it.

It's very possible that they were doing what every other thug agency does, they were just testing the water to see how far they could go next time..

[Captain Matt]

Let me get this straight. I bought a used wireless router from someone locally. They were also selling two other used computer accessories that they replaced with newer models. According to this article they need a tax id?

[mr fixit]

I thought the law read "...if engaged in business, and selling more than 2 items."

Seems like an individual can sell as many personal items as they want. Or am I dreaming?

Mr Fixit

[TruckingDeals]

Another reason not to ever vote for a liberal or tolerate those who do.

They don't work for us.

We are their enemy.

[ninemm]

I would think that following them along with a video camera and - politely - asking for an interview would be a good counter-tactic.

As would posting the video on YouTube.

Most of the gun shows I've attended have signs posted prohibiting any type of cameras.

[Fangs]

I would think that following them along with a video camera and - politely - asking for an interview would be a good counter-tactic.

As would posting the video on YouTube.

Most of the gun shows I've attended have signs posted prohibiting any type of cameras.

No one ever asked me to leave my cell phone outside. It has a camera.

[Rockrz]

I steered clear of them and told my wife I don't know who sent them but it doesn't look good

Why? Are gun shows illegal now?
Why would it not be OK for law dawgs to come to the gun show?

Just follow the law and you should be OK, right?

[Gyrogearhead]

Folks,

You all may be worring about something that is fast becoming a tempist in a teapot.

My wife has an antique business as a sideline and we do several antique shows a year around Texas. We've had these people from the Comptroller's office show up on several ocassions asking to look at our sales tax permit and sales records to see if we are properly collecting the correct state sales tax. We are always courteous as are they and they usually appologize for bothering us when they are finished and go on their way. Very professional.

If it's unusual for them to show up at gun shows it may be that they didn't feel before the Obama surge in gun buying that the traffic at shows would yield enough citations to be worth while attending in an official capacity. The antique business is a fruitful venue for fraud and shady dealers to practice a little seight of hand. It makes since that the Comptroller's office would send their officers to where they were most likely to catch some miscreants. That may be why they are unusual at gun shows.

That said, they don't wear tactical uniforms at antique shows. So maybe they did want to intimidate. Just some food for thought

[Rockrz]

Well, if I ever sell one FTF...I ain't collectin no sales taxes
since it's just one good 'ol boy selling to another good 'ol boy.

But, I understand them checkin out a regular business
who is selling retail. Gotta pay the folks that waste it
on stupid stuff...

[boomerang]

Can we deduct the sales tax we originally paid for the item from the tax we owe when we sell it?

[Rockrz]

Sure...for verification of this, contact the CPA that
was doing taxes for actor Wesley Snipes