Disney and Hulu Found Liable for Santa Barbara Video Tax by California Judges

Three popular Walt Disney Co. streaming platforms are now required to pay Santa Barbara’s video users’ tax, according to a recent decision by a California appeals court. This ruling highlights a shift from previous decisions in other states, where streaming services were not subject to the same fees as traditional cable companies.

In this case, the court determined that the tax applies to these streaming platforms regardless of how the content is delivered to viewers. This decision raises important questions about whether taxing video streaming services could potentially violate the federal Internet Tax Freedom Act.

This marks the first time a California appeals court has addressed the issue, adding a new layer to the ongoing discussion around how streaming services are regulated and taxed. Stay tuned for more updates on this evolving story.