“Amazon Tax Battle Rages in The Capital”

Regarding “Amazon Tax Battle Rages in The Capital,” as New York’s Congressional delegates contest state efforts to tax out-of-state income, they should focus not just on the taxation of out-of-state companies with no physical presence, but also on the taxation of out-of-state telecommuters [New York, July 17, 2008].

If a Connecticut resident is employed by a New York company and works some or most of the time from his Connecticut home, New York will tax him on 100% of his income — including the income he earns when he is physically present in Connecticut.

Since Connecticut will also tax the income he earns in Connecticut, the telecommuter is subject to double taxation, a deterrent to telework and, therefore, a significant threat to New York companies trying to use this commute alternative to recruit and retain valuable employees.

Pending federal legislation called the Telecommuter Tax Fairness Act would abolish the interstate telework tax, prohibiting a state from taxing nonresident telecommuters on income they earn when they are outside that state.

Federal lawmakers favoring legislation to limit state taxation of physically absent companies should also support the telecommuter bill.

NICOLE BELSON GOLUBOFF

Scarsdale, N.Y.

‘The U.N.’s Opportunity On Zimbabwe’

Benny Avni’s piece critiquing the United Nation’s impotence regarding the atrocious situation in Zimbabwe was reminiscent of those who critique the United Nation’s response — or lack thereof — to the ongoing genocide in Darfur [Oped, “The U.N.’s Opportunity On Zimbabwe,” July 14, 2008].

With the release of the International Criminal Court’s charges of genocide carried out in Darfur by President Bashir of Sudan, the United Nations has been given a direct and crucial chance to take serious action towards peace in Sudan.

The member states — particularly America and China — must use the extra leverage created by these charges to pressure Mr. Bashir into genuine peace negotiations.

If we do not do so, not only are we assenting to the continuation of genocide, but we are allowing the United Nations to remain without any international potency and credibility.

The degradation of the United Nations not only continues to allow massive loss of life in Darfur and Zimbawbe, but also great suffering worldwide as climate change and terrorism require ever more international cooperation.

We must use this opportunity to help millions in Darfur and its refugees in eastern Chad, as well as restore a large chunk of the United Nation’s lost credibility.

JENNIFER POLISH

Bayside, N.Y.