Taxes Adult Websites on Gross Receipts
Virginia · HB720 · Introduced Jan 13, 2026
Why it matters
Websites that host this content in Virginia would owe 10 percent of their gross receipts to the state. The money would go to a fund for mental health and developmental services.
What it does
- Adds a 10 percent tax on gross receipts from harmful-to-minors content based in Virginia
- Applies to commercial operators of adult websites, apps, and online platforms
- Sends the tax money to the Behavioral Health and Developmental Services Trust Fund
- The Department of Taxation would collect it the same way as retail sales tax
Status
Latest action (2026-07-21): Continued from last session
About this bill
Would create a 10 percent tax on the gross receipts of companies running adult websites with harmful-to-minors material made in Virginia. The money would go to a behavioral health trust fund.
Perspectives
💬 The case for
Some child safety and mental health groups would likely say the tax makes adult sites pay for harm to young people. The money would fund behavioral health services.
💬 The case against
Some free speech groups would likely say the tax targets lawful adult content and its online sellers. Some website operators may argue the tax is hard to apply to content based in Virginia.
Sponsored by
Sponsor details for this state bill are at the source link.
News
Loading coverage…