New York governor David Paterson plans to target those who download porn with a sales tax. Previously, Paterson had proposed a so-called “iPod tax” aimed at those downloading music, movies, and software. Now, it turns out, that plan also includes taxing porn downloaders or those who buy their porn via pay-per-view cable. Interestingly, the tax would only apply to New York smut purveyors. The planned sales tax is a whopping 4%, which may be too steep for those who are already trying to cut back on their porn diet during these lean times. And pornographers aren’t too happy about the tax, either. Steve Hirsch, the CEO of Vivid Entertainment, one of the adult industry’s biggest production companies, says: “The last thing any of us need is an additional tax.” During the recession, “These are very difficult times and nobody can afford to lose even one customer.” Or, for that matter, one masturbator.
